POLICY

Pitt goes after environmental group

FEDERAL resources minister Keith Pitt has hit out at the Environmental Defenders' Office, an environmental non-profit which specialises in lawsuits to protect the environment, saying Labor needed to commit to defunding the registered charity.

Election rhetoric starts heating up, as Pitt lashes Labor support for enviro group

Election rhetoric starts heating up, as Pitt lashes Labor support for enviro group

The EDO works in various areas of environmental advocacy, from attempting to stop shark fin trading, to arguing against Woodside Petroleum's Burrup Hub gas development. 
 
It was at the forefront of a legal battle to stop the Carmichael coal mine in Queensland over the last handful of years, but ultimately lost its case. 
 
Pitt accused the Labor opposition of planning to provide $14 million in funding for the organisation. 
 
"It is ridiculous that Labor is pledging funding to an organisation that is determined to stop new jobs and economic opportunities being provided by legitimate resources projects that have received all state and federal government approvals," Pitt said. 
 
The Labor opposition had made the pledge prior to the last federal election, which the party lost to another term of the Liberal-National government. 
 
It is not known whether Labor plans to keep its commitment to the EDO at this next election.
 
"By [pledging to fund] the EDO, Labor is giving a two-fingered salute to the hard working men and women of Australia's resources sector who've helped keep the national economy in such a strong position through the global coronavirus pandemic," Pitt said. 
 
Currently, the EDO only receives donations and funds through other activist groups.
 
The national not-for-profit had total cash on hand of $8.3 million at the end of the financial year.
 
Pitt's comments come as the next federal election, which must be held before May 21 next year, looms.
 
A redistribution of lower house seats due to population changes since the last election will give Labor an edge, and poll numbers show Australians are critical of the Morrison government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Psephologists, or political analysts,  predict an election early next year, if the Morrison government can reach a 70% vaccination rate across the country, allowing it to open up borders for international travel.
Paul-Alain van Lieshout Hunt is a broadcaster and senior journalist at Energy News Au (ENB), Mining News (MNN) and Australia's Mining Monthly (AMM). Got tips? Reach out to paul.hunt@aspermont.com 
 

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