The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has slammed the Brumby Government for sacking Victoria’s independent mining watchdog.
Mr Northe said Energy Minister Peter Batchelor had interfered with a supposedly independent process and sacked Victoria’s Mining Warden Andrew Swindells, after less than a year in the role.
“Mr Swindells was appointed by the Governor in Council for a three year term on March 6, 2009,” Mr Northe said.
“The Victorian Government Solicitor has advised that the Mining Warden exercises the judicial functions of a court, so by sacking the Mining Warden, the Brumby Government has effectively sacked a judge.
“It seems more than a strong coincidence that the Brumby Government has sacked the state’s Mining Warden just months after it indicated it wanted to do away with the role.”
Mr Northe said while the government had appointed a new Mining Warden, it was clear it little more than a temporary measure.
“No details have been given about the length of the new warden’s contract, but it’s clear from Mr Batchelor’s announcement that the appointment is a temporary measure,” Mr Northe said.
“According to the Department of Primary Industries, the Mining Warden is the oldest continually existing public service position in Australia.
“It will be disastrous for Latrobe Valley landholders if the Brumby Government scraps the position.
“The government believes there is no justification for the role but it is wrong.
“There are presently 30 landholders from the Latrobe Valley seeking the Mining Warden’s assistance with dispute resolution and applications for exploration licences in the Latrobe Valley have increased markedly in the past few months.
“Small landholders rely on the Mining Warden’s independence and expertise.
“If the role was abolished, they would be forced to fight multinational companies through the Small Business Commission or Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal,” Mr Northe said.
Media contact: Russell Northe (03) 5133 9088
