Secret CLP Document Uncovers Unrestricted Powers and Broken Promises
A secret document has uncovered Lia Finocchiaro’s plan to put herself above the law, breaching Territorians’ trust within two months of coming to power.
The document, titled ‘Territory Coordinator Consultation paper’, has been quietly provided to only a handful of stakeholders and property developers.
It outlines new proposed powers for Ministers and the Territory Coordinator when approving projects including:
These unprecedented powers mean that Ministers or the Territory Coordinator could undertake project assessments themselves, including environmental, cultural heritage and social benefit assessments – and then approve those assessments without oversight or community consultation.They will also allow Ministers or the Territory Coordinator to bend or sidestep laws that provide important safeguards when it comes to project approvals.
These secret moves are in stark contrast to the Chief Minister’s pre-election promise that all project proponents would continue to be subject to the Territory’s robust environmental protections.
The CLP promised Territorians that they would be an accountable and transparent Government; this secret ‘consultation’ paper has made a lie of that promise.
Quotes attributed to Opposition Leader Selena Uibo:
“Lia Finocchiaro is trying to secretly put herself and her self-appointed Territory Coordinator above the law, breaking her pre-election promise to Territorians to be open and transparent.
“She also promised Territorians that new projects would still need to meet our robust environmental standards. That promise is now in tatters.
“This is a sham ‘consultation’ process that deliberately excludes the community. Territorians should be very concerned about this complete breach of trust.
“They should also be concerned that Lia’s dodgy proposals will limit community consultation on new projects.
“Without robust safeguards in place, we run the risk of poorly planned and executed developments that are socially, economically, environmentally and reputationally damaging.
“We already have a strong pipeline of projects in place; we don’t need this kind of irresponsible power grab to get things done here.”