Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (15.3.16) on laws introduced to parliament forcing mining and resources companies to take responsibility for environmental clean-ups. It has been suggested that the laws are aimed squarely at Clive Palmer and his closed down Yabulu nickel refinery.
‘The State Government has moved to force mine and refinery owners to pay for any environmental clean ups if their business goes bust, in the wake of Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel fiasco.
‘Environment Minister Steven Miles introduced amendments to the Environmental Protection Act to “better protect the environment, the community, and taxpayers from the decisions and actions of businesses that fail to take the steps to meet their proper responsibilities”.
‘The move comes as the State Government publicly and privately ordered Mr Palmer to ensure he had enough staff left at his Townsville nickel refinery to ensure it met its environmental protection obligations.’