NSW coastal communities have been betrayed by the Member for Sydney, the Labor government and the Greens, as they try to derail and delay the Bill to ban offshore drilling in NSW Waters (PEP-11).
Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane said the Labor and accomplices now must answer to the community for this terrible decision.
“Labor MPs said time and time again, before the election, that they were opposed to PEP-11 and would ban it,” said Ms Sloane. “They’ve had a chance to do so, and instead chose to break their promise to our coastal communities.”
“Protecting our environment and marine estate from the risks posed by offshore drilling is vitally important and there is no time for delay.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change James Griffin said that this set back would not deter the Coalition, who will continue to work on making this Bill come to fruition.
“Let there be no doubt. Today we had an opportunity to legislate against offshore drilling,” Mr Griffin said. “That opportunity no longer exists thanks to a vote by Labor, Greens and the Member for Sydney. However, we’re not discouraged and will continue to work on bringing this important legislation to a vote.”
“It’s up to each MP who voted against proceeding with this Bill to explain themselves to their communities.”
Member for Pittwater, Rory Amon called out the Government’s decision to not support the Bill as more evidence of their inability to deliver for the people of NSW.
“Labor, Greens and the Member for Sydney talked big about protecting our oceans, but instead of taking action they chose instead to gad debate in Parliament on this Bill,” said Mr Amon. “This is either an attempt to see offshore gas mining and exploration proceed, or cynical politics to try and introduce a copy-cat Bill.”
“However, their ploy has real costs, as this delays any action on offshore gas projects until well into 2024 and leaves communities at risk.”