[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Time for BHP Billiton to play by the rules

[Greens]

Media Release
5 June 2007

Time for BHP Billiton to play by the rules


Greens MLC Mark Parnell will introduce a Private Members Bill in state
parliament on Wednesday to strip BHP Billiton of its unique exemptions
from a range of state laws that every other developer must follow.

"Enough's enough - this special deal was made in the eighties - the game
has changed in 25 years, and the special exemptions that helped get the
Roxby mine up and running are simply no longer relevant or appropriate.

"It's now, while we are debating the possible expansion of the Roxby
mine - how big and how it will operate - that BHP Billiton should be
told that the rules have changed.

The Indenture Act means that the Olympic Dam mine's operations are
exempt from the Aboriginal Heritage Act, the Environmental Protection
Act, the Freedom of Information Act and the Natural Resources management
Act.

In the case of the Aboriginal Heritage Act, BHP Billiton can pick and
choose which Aboriginal groups they acknowledge and consult with, what
form the consultation takes, which Aboriginal Heritage sites they
recognise and what degree of protection those sites receive. 

"The world's biggest miner does not need a free kick from the SA
government. There is absolutely no reason for them to be granted special
favours that gives them a potential commercial gain over other miners
and other developers.

"Mike Rann should put a stop to the free ride - and if he won't, I'll
introduce a Bill into Parliament to do it for him," he said.

 
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	
 
 


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