Additional comments by Senator Nova Peris OAM

Senator for the Northern Territory

1.1        Senator Nova Peris OAM, Senator for the Northern Territory, notes that Territory Labor recognises community concern around the process of hydraulic fracturing ('fracking'), and has committed that 'any activity taken relating to the shale gas industry in the Northern Territory will be both environmentally and financially sustainable for local communities'.[1]

1.2        It is the policy of Territory Labor that a moratorium on unconventional gas mining exploration and extraction would be put into place:

Considering all factors associated with the development of an onshore shale gas industry and the timeframe needed to comprehensively review the science Territory Labor will implement a moratorium covering all unconventional gas prospecting exploration and extraction activities.[2]

1.3        Territory Labor have stated that the moratorium would continue until the expiration or completion of:

• a scientific inquiry undertaken by an independent expert advisory panel, including thorough community consultation; and
• development of the regulatory framework ensuring appropriate environmental protections and safeguards.

1.4        At the end of this process, Territory Labor, in government, would either:

• ban hydraulic fracturing; or
• allow hydraulic fracturing in highly regulated and tightly prescribed areas.[3]

Senator Nova Peris OAM
Australian Labor Party

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