Rookie Resources Minister Paul Kirby confused over fracking legislation

ROOKIE Resources Minister Paul Kirby doesn’t seem to understand basic details of upcoming fracking legislation he is responsible for

Resources Minister Paul Kirby ... appeared not to understand basic details of upcoming fracking legislation he is responsible for in a radio interview. Picture: Justin Kennedy

ROOKIE Resources Minister Paul Kirby doesn’t seem to understand basic details of upcoming fracking legislation he is responsible for.

In a trainwreck interview on Mix104.9 on Friday morning, Mr Kirby was asked by host Katie Woolf if he had been stripped of responsibility for the act with carriage handed to Environment Minister Eva Lawler.

Mr Kirby appeared unsure, and despite repeated opportunities to do so, didn’t put the problem to rest by confirming he still had control of the legislation.

During the panel discussion with Mr Kirby, Opposition Leader Gary Higgins and independent Member for Nelson Gerry Wood, Woolf asked Kirby: “ ... why was it moved from your portfolio to another portfolio without anyone knowing?”

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Mr Kirby said there had been a “range of things done” and further confused the point by saying he had spoken with Ms Lawler on a number of “big ticket items” when he came into the portfolio.

The Petroleum Act has not been moved into Ms Lawler’s portfolio.

Responsibility for approving environmental management plans has been transferred, however.

All other responsibility remains with Mr Kirby.

The Petroleum Act amendments are due to be debated in Parliament next week, with Mr Kirby responsible for its carriage.

The embarrassing flub comes before the Government faces a no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition next week.

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Mr Kirby’s appointment to the role of resources minister in January raised eyebrows given his history of strong opposition to fracking in the past.

Graeme Sawyer, from anti-fracking group Protect Country Alliance, said it was frightening the minister responsible for overseeing the gas industry didn’t understand his job.

“It is a huge concern that this bunch of people had it completely wrong,” he said.

Mr Sawyer also criticised Opposition Leader Gary Higgins, who also appeared confused.

“The Opposition Leader was either twisting the truth deliberately or doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Either way, it is of concern,” he said.

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Mr Sawyer said requests by his anti-fracking group to meet with Mr Kirby had so far been unsuccessful.

“We’ll cut (Mr Kirby) a bit of slack because he’s brand new but if he’s not going to meet with people and understand what’s going on … everyone should be very worried.”

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