[Greens-Media] Greens call for judicial inquiry into oil spill and query any previous problems on rig

[Stahel, Peter (Sen B. Brown)]

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says the Federal Government should
immediately establish a judicial inquiry into the oil spill off the
Kimberley coast.

"The causes of this oil and gas spill, as well as the potential
solutions to ensure similar spills don't happen again require the full
force of a judicial inquiry." 

"With the Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson playing down
the seriousness of the situation, the Prime Minister should intervene."

"Already there are fears that the chemical dispersants being used could
have their own toxic effect on the area."

"A judicial inquiry would get to the bottom of any concerns with how the
oil rig was being operated and how the early stages of the clean up were
undertaken," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown called on the company controlling the oil rig to reveal
full details of any previous problems or incidents on the rig.

"This spill makes Minister Ferguson's assurances about Gorgon
incredible," Senator Brown said.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 02 6277 3170 or 0433 005 727