Rudd playing Beattie’s boy says Truss
Mr Truss said recent statements by Mr Rudd that he had not been briefed on Traveston but that he was “confident that the Queensland Government will be properly investigating these matters in consultation with the local communities” prove Mr Rudd is nothing more than a compliant mouthpiece for Peter Beattie on this issue.
“If Mr Rudd wants to convince the Australian people that he appreciates their concerns, he will not simply take the word of the Queensland Government that they have a fair and balanced view of this issue,” Mr Truss said.
“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the dam should not and can not be built. The evidence is continuing to mount in support of local views that the dam would be a social, economic, environmental and engineering disaster.”
Mr Truss said he agreed with Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce that a Senate Inquiry may not be able to stop the dam.
“That is a decision for Mr Beattie,” Mr Truss said.
“It may also be very difficult for a Senate Inquiry to obtain sensitive documents if the Queensland Government refuses to make them available,” he said.
Mr Truss said there are also issues about the appropriate timing of a Senate Inquiry, particularly as the Queensland Government keeps changing its mind on the details of the location, cost, size and structure of the dam.
“Nonetheless, a Senate Inquiry would provide an important public forum to air the issues involved and provide an opportunity for the Queensland Government to explain its actions to the people from potentially devastated local communities,” he said.
Mr Truss welcomed previous indications from Anthony Albanese that Labor would not oppose a Senate Inquiry.
“It would be a major embarrasment to Mr Albanese and a huge disappointment to the people of the Mary Valley if Mr Rudd were to over rule his appointed Water and Infrastructure spokesperson,” Mr Truss said.
“It would also be a clear indication that Mr Rudd will be nothing more than a puppet and apologist for State Labor governments.”
ENDS
