Coalition Senators' Additional Comments

Northern Territory Economy

1.1The Coalition recognises the importance of economic development in the Northern Territory and therefore supports the development of the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct.

1.2The Coalition notes that the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct project is essential to protect and promote the Northern Territory economy.

1.3The contribution of the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct project to the future of the Northern Territory and Australian economies must be considered and has not been in this inquiry.

1.4It is important to recognise and note the bipartisan support of the project within the Northern Territory, and that both Coalition and Labor Governments federally have committed funding.

Inquiry Focus

1.5The Middle Arm Industrial Precinct hearings were largely focussed on Liquefied Natural Gas at the expense of including other industries that would benefit from the development of the project.

1.6The Inquiry significantly downplayed Indigenous groups in the Northern Territory who are in favour and see the potential of the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct.

1.7The Coalition recognises the environmental measures that exist following the Pepper Inquiry and its 135 recommendations which were accepted by the Northern Territory Government.

Larrakia People

1.8The Coalition respects the Larrakia People on Garramilla Country.

1.9The Coalition believes that the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct project will contribute positively to the lives of the Larrakia People on country, as well as deliver greater economic opportunity to people on and off country.

1.10The Middle Arm Industrial Precinct will deliver improvements to job creation, health and education throughout the Northern Territory.

Inquiry Witnesses

1.11The Coalition is disappointed that there was not a broader range of witnesses and views presented during the Inquiry, which would better reflect the opportunities provided by the development of the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct.

1.12The Coalition was also disappointed that other Committee Members wore clothing with overt activist slogans during hearings, which might both influence hearing outcomes as well as present a pre-determined position.

1.13Coalition Committee Members personally observed and have also since received reports from witnesses who were intimidated and assaulted at hearings. Witnesses should feel safe to provide alternate views to others.

1.14The Coalition Members are both disappointed and angry at the physical and verbal bullying that occurred during hearings.

1.15The Coalition believes that behaviours and opinions at hearings were not reflective of the broader Northern Territory community.