[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Paper Thin Debate over Penola Pulp Mill - just 2 hours for a $1.5 Billion project

[Parnell]

Media Release
11th September 2007

	
Paper Thin Debate over Penola Pulp Mill - just 2 hours for a $1.5
Billion project

 	
The South Australian Lower House has passed the Penola Pulp Mill Bill,
authorising the construction of the Mill in the State's South East, with
just two hours debate. 

Greens MLC Mark Parnell has described the lack of debate as a
'disgrace'.

"We were told Parliament offered the highest level of scrutiny, yet two
hours of debate was all the Lower House managed today - that is simply
not good enough," said Mr Parnell.

"Using Parliament to rigorously assess this $1.5 Billion project was
always the wrong way to go.
 
"My line hasn't changed from day 1 - a project this size must be subject
to a proper environmental impact study.  Parliament can never replace
that - certainly not in 2 hours.

"This debate re-defines rubber stamp.  It has made a mockery of our
planning laws. 

"This once again demonstrates the importance of the Upper House.  I can
assure the people of the South East that the Legislative Council will
give this Bill far more scrutiny than it got today," he said.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893



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