Labor questions Adani’s explanation of port discharge
Labor wants a federal investigation into statements made by Adani after it discharged ‘contaminated’ water in wetlands.
Labor’s environment spokesman Tony Burke wants an investigation into Indian mining giant Adani to determine whether it “provided false information” over contaminated discharge at its Abbot Point port operations.
Mr Burke said Labor wanted a “federal investigation” into the “dumping of coal-laden water into the Caley Valley wetlands” following Cyclone Debbie in the first half of last year.
“The investigation needs to also determine whether Adani has provided false information to the Australian or Queensland government,” he said.
There is concern in Labor ranks over how it should frame its opposition to the coalmine without appearing anti-coal or anti-jobs. The opposition yesterday declined to comment on speculation it was drafting an alternative jobs plan to implement in return for ditching support for the central Queensland coalmine.
Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said Labor was “at war with itself”. He rejected the need for an investigation into allegations Adani gave false evidence of the environmental impact of the spill-over at the Abbot Point coal terminal, saying it was a matter for the Queensland government.