[Greens-Media] Liberal & Nationals lining up with big mining companies against the community

[Max Phillips]

JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC
THE GREENS NSW
MEDIA RELEASE

21 November 2014
Liberal & Nationals lining up with big mining companies against the community

The Greens NSW mining spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham today congratulated the Liberal and National government for making it clear to voters that they side with big, often foreign or multi-national mining corporations against the environment and local communities, after the government announced it would fast-track mining applications and crackdown on protests against mining and gas projects.

"The announcement by the Premier makes it crystal clear that Liberals and Nationals are siding with the big mining corporations against the community and environment," said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

"The modern Liberal and National Parties are essentially just the political arm of the mining industry.  Mike Baird's former Chief of Staff Stephen Galilee is now head of the NSW Mining. 

"Whether its abolishing the mining tax or carbon tax federally, or fast tracking approvals and cracking down on protesters at a state level, the Liberals and Nationals are acting in the interests of big mining corporations and against the community.

"It's a disgrace that rather than respect the independence of the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) processes and findings, the government will now direct the PAC and put time pressure on them.  The government wants a PAC process that provides them the political cover of an independent process, so long as it approves every mine or gas project that comes before them and does it fast.

"The proposed crackdown on community protestors highlights that the government wants to repress democracy and political rights to make life easier for mining companies. 

"Mike Baird should get out of the glitzy functions with the mining executives and visit farmers on the Liverpool Plains who are protesting big mining companies, like Chinese government owned Shenhua, from mining on some of the best agricultural soils and water resources in the state," he said.

Contact: Max Phillips - 9230 2202 or 0419 444 916


Max Phillips
 
OFFICE OF JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9230 2202 | Fax: 02 9230 3341 | Mobile: 0419 444 916