Xenophon urged to reject Coalition’s tricky anti-Wild Rivers tactics

Media Release
The Wilderness Society (Qld) Inc
28 February, 2011

Senator Nick Xenophon faces a critical test over his voting intentions on a Coalition’s Bill to undermine protection of Queensland’s Wild Rivers, the Wilderness Society highlighted today.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott introduced a bill into Parliament last November aimed at “overturning” Queensland’s Wild Rivers laws, which was referred to the Economics Committee for an Inquiry into sustainable Indigenous economic development. That Committee is still considering public submissions and has yet to complete public hearings. It is expected to report back to Parliament in the coming months.

But in a cynical move by Coalition Senator Nigel Scullion, an identical Bill has been introduced into the Senate, and Senator Xenophon could be forced to vote on that as early as this week, well in advance of the Parliamentary Inquiry being completed. With the support of Senators Xenophon and Steve Fielding, the Coalition would have the numbers to pass its anti Wild Rivers Bill in the Senate.

Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner for The Wilderness Society said: “Senator Scullion’s tricky tactic is designed to undermine the Parliamentary Inquiry and challenge Senator Xenophon to cast his crucial vote without all the facts being on the table”. 

“This is just crooked politics from the Coalition. It shows that they are scared about real scrutiny of their Bill and are intent on creating legislative chaos for their own political ends. Senator Xenophon needs to stand firm, resist tactics designed to force him into a vote before all views and analysis are on the table, and refuse to support this Senate Bill.”

The Wilderness Society is releasing its submission to the Economics Committee, strongly arguing that there is no justification for Federal intervention on Wild Rivers. 

The submission illustrates the importance of ensuring protection of our healthy river systems, and enhancing sustainable Indigenous economic development via environmental protection and conservation economy enterprises, including eco-tourism. It also argues for a more consistent and equitable approach to supporting Indigenous rights, and demonstrates that this is compatible with environmental protections and the interests of the wider community. The Society is highlighting that the real winners from the Abbott bill will be large scale industrial proponents. 

“At some point, all MPs and Senators will face a stark choice. Will they stand for genuine and sensible river protection and the safeguarding of the rights of all Indigenous people - or will they support Mr Abbott’s anti-Wild Rivers bill and expose our free-flowing rivers to pollution and destruction?”

“Who will be known as a river-protector and who as a river-wrecker?” concluded Mr Walker.

The Wilderness Society submission can be accessed here.