It has been four weeks since the Andrews Labor Government announced the nation’s first permanent ban on fracking and coal seam gas, yet it is still unclear whether the Liberals and Nationals will support the ban.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP is calling on the Coalition to come clean to Victorians: do they or don’t they support a legislative ban on fracking and coal seam gas?
Farming communities across Victoria, including Western Victoria, have been calling for a ban on unconventional gas for years, and the Labor Government is giving them much needed certainty by introducing a permanent legislative ban.
Since the announcement, the Liberals and Nationals have sent mixed messages about where they really stand on fracking and coal seam gas.
On the day of the announcement, the Liberals put out a statement criticising the ban for “shutting the door on future exploration of conventional gas,” despite their previous policy of a moratorium until 2020.
On the other hand, the Nationals are still busy trying to claim credit for the ban – so long as the Liberals don’t know or hear about it.
In a letter to the editor, Nationals leader Peter Walsh said he was “proud to be part of the former Coalition government who introduced the fracking moratorium.”
It is clear that the Victorian community has spoken – they simply don’t support fracking.
The Labor Government is calling on the Coalition to stand up for country Victoria and declare their support for the legislation, which will ban fracking and coal seam gas once and for all.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“We will not put our ‘clean, green’ reputation of Victoria’s agriculture sector at risk. The widespread lack of community support for unconventional gas and the uncertainty around fracking, clearly outweigh any benefits for Victoria.”
“Residents in [insert electorate] deserve to know whether or not the Coalition will support the Andrews Labor Government’s legislative ban on fracking and coal seam gas.”