Adani hurdle could hang on Labor

An unusual quirk could put the final fate of Adani’s controversial Carmichael megamine in the unlikeliest of hands.

THE Labor Party could have a significant say on whether Adani clears one of its final federal approval before the election is even held.

It puts more pressure on the Opposition and Bill Shorten to put forward a clear position on the controversial mine.

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And it follows Opposition environment spokesman Tony Burke on Sunday saying he could not say whether he supported or opposed the mine because if he did were “Adani would win” future court rulings.

Environment Department officials have told Greens senator Larissa Waters that if the final decision on Adani’s groundwater management plan comes up for approval during the election period, the Opposition would be consulted under usual caretaker provisions on whether or not to proceed with the approval.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters says there is a “very real possibility” Labor will have to pass judgment on Adani’s groundwater management plan. Picture Kym Smith

The Government could ignore the caretaker conventions and approve without consulting, but it would be unusual.

The groundwater management plan is nearing finalisation, with the CSIRO and Geoscience Australia expected to make a determination its draft within a week before passing on to the Department to develop recommendations for the Minister.

Senator Waters said there was “a very real possibility” Labor would be called upon to make a judgment on the management plan.

“Labor has been trying to dodge their position on it, they’ve had a foot in each camp,” she said.

“This will very much call on them to pick a side.

“It’s pretty clear that they are quite conflicted when it comes to coal, in particular with new coal.”

Mr Shorten said he would abide by any caretaker provisions.

Leader of the opposition Bill Shorten was in Townsville yesterday when he again stated Adani “has to stack up on its own merits”. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“For me it’s about the rules. Of course we need to make sure our energy mix in the future has renewables and fossil fuels,” he said.

“I’ll be going by the science and be guided by the rules. That’s what people expect.”

Asked if he wanted Adani to proceed, but Mr Shorten said: “it has to stack up on its own merits, and environmental rules and the commercial obligations and opportunities it has.”