Labor MPs ‘confused’ over party’s position on Adani

Several Labor MPs have publicly declared opposition to the Adani mine but others in Queensland have given some degree of support.

LABOR candidates face a union demand pledge support for new coal mines amid confusion over the party’s position on Adani’s planned central Queensland project.

The CFMEU’s mining and energy division sent out the pledge to Labor MPs and candidates as the election campaign began.

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Labor candidates face a union demand pledge support for new coal mines amid confusion over the party’s position on Adani’s planned central Queensland project. Picture: supplied

The “Candidates Pledge” does not mention the Adani project but demands support for “coal mining developments that meet regulatory requirements”.

Several Labor MPs have publicly declared opposition to the Adani mine but others in Queensland have given some degree of support.

Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole recently called for the state government to “keep out of north Queensland’s business” and stop delaying approvals for the mine.

Cathy O'Toole recently called for the state government to “keep out of north Queensland’s business” and stop delaying approvals for the mine. Pictured: Supplied

CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland president Steve Smyth earlier this year threatened to campaign against Labor candidates who refuse to support the coal industry.

“This federal election we need candidates who are committed to standing up for Queensland coal mining and energy workers’ rights and jobs,’’ the document distributed by the union says.

“I support coal mining jobs and recognise their value to our communities and economy.

“I support approval of coal mining developments that meet regulatory requirements.”

Labor leader Bill Shorten said he wanted to be “full and frank about the mine” and claimed Scott Morrison had called the election today to avoid questioning of CSIRO officials about the recent groundwater approval in a planned Senate estimates hearing.

“I don’t think it’s any particular coincidence that the government went to the Governor General today on the day they were going to the CSIRO was going to be examined about its report into the Adani mine,” Mr Shorten said.

The Labor leader said “my people are free to speak” when asked if his candidates were gagged from expressing a view on the mine.