Senator Canavan stands by criticism of 'piss weak' company

He claims green bullies were behind Aurecon severing ties with Adani.

Aurecon had a long history working with Adani at the Abbot Point coal port . Picture: Contributed

UNWILLING to back down on his "upfront language", Resources Minister Matt Canavan stands by his spray calling Australian engineering firm Aurecon "piss weak" for cutting ties with Adani.

Senator Canavan also accused the company of being a "a bunch of bedwetters" for claiming that sustainability was behind their decision to distance themselves from Adani, without addressing what he regarded as the real reason - giving in to concerted pressure from environmental activists.

"Too many of our businesses roll over at the first sign of controversy and put out PR spin instead of upfront language," Senator Canavan said.

"Aurecon aren't making the decision because they are concerned about the environment, they are doing it because they are letting a few bullies who blockade their office dictate what they do.

"I would have a lot more respect for Aurecon if they just came out and told us that they're too scared of the green bullies and they've had to put their workers on Adani out of a job in favour of the greenies."

For more that two decades, Aurecon had worked with Adani with the Abbot Point Terminal and renewable energy businesses.

The Abbot Point coal terminal. Picture: Australian Marine Conservation

Senator Canavan said it was a joke and public shaming was necessary given that Aurecon ceased working with Adani, including on their South Australian solar farm and yet was continuing to work on other coal projects.

He took issue with the company giving in to green activist bullies, not being upfront about their reasons behind their decision and Aurecon "going to ground" and not responding to the criticism.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry agreed with Senator Canavan's comments.

"Caving under pressure from "latte-sipping, vegan activists" is an insult to the hard working people in regional Queensland who rely on mining for a job," she said.

Protesters dressed as dead fish and Ursula from The LIttle Mermaid on the Abbott Point Coal Terminal road.

Southern media have reported that mining companies were privately welcoming the shaming of Aurecon.

An Adani spokesperson confirmed they were in conversations with other businesses and a number of companies had "eagerly expressed their interest in taking up this portfolio of work, along with other current opportunities to work with our Australian port business, the Carmichael project, and our renewables business".

Aurecon was approached for comment but did not respond by deadline.

Originally published as Senator Canavan stands by criticism of 'piss weak' company