Federal Labor accused of putting Adani mine at risk

THERE are fears the $22 billion Adani coal mine and more than 100 other projects are at risk amid political mind games being played by Labor.

While Adani is still expected to approve the mine, work cannot begin until the native title issues are resolved.

• Editorial: Time for end to Adani impasse

THERE are fears the $22 billion Adani coal mine and more than 100 other projects are at risk amid political mind games being played by Labor.

Despite saying it supports native title changes needed to resolve the months-long dispute, Labor yesterday refused to extend Parliament to sit on Friday and see them passed.

But then they accused the Coalition of playing games and bungling the details.

Urgent changes to native title law, which have been around since February, will not be able to be passed before Adani makes its final call on whether to proceed with the Carmichael coal mine.

While Adani is still expected to approve the mine, work cannot begin until the native title issues are resolved.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan accused Labor of holding up thousands of jobs by refusing to extend sitting hours to pass the necessary changes. The legislation cannot be passed until June 13 at the earliest.

There are 109 indigenous land use agreements registered in Queensland that are impacted – more than half related to pastoral or farming land, as well as other mining and infrastructure projects.

Labor says it supports the legislation but wants to do more consultation with indigenous groups, blaming Attorney-General George Brandis for playing political games including providing no warning about the push for a Friday sitting.

Despite this, Opposition energy spokesman Mark Butler yesterday said he did not believe the Adani project stacked up, putting him at odds with the State Labor Government.

Indigenous leader Warren Mundine yesterday urged Labor to pass the legislation because it would create jobs for indigenous Australians.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also called for her Federal colleagues to find a solution.

Senator Canavan said: “If we don’t make these changes there are thousands of jobs put at risk by not wanting to work on a Friday like every other Australian has to do. Every day we delay is another day a Queenslander can’t get a job.”