Fed: Minchin blames Labor for industry concerns

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2001
Fed: Minchin blames Labor for industry concerns

Resources Minister NICK MINCHIN has come to the aid of oil and gas producer concerns
about the future of the industry, blaming Labor for a lack of workable laws.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association says the community
and politicians want cheap and reliable energy supplies, but fail to encourage exploration.

Senator MINCHIN has used an address to the association to attack Labor on its stance
on native title and greenhouse policies.

The senator said after his address to the Hobart conference that oil and gas exploration
were vital to Australia's national security and prosperity.

He accuses the Labor Party of abusing its Senate votes to prevent the introduction
of workable native title processes by the states to allow to exploration.

He says Labor's stance shows gross disregard for the national interest.

But opposition environment spokesman NICK BOLKUS says Senator MINCHIN won't be scaring
people by running what he calls a greens under the beds campaign.

AAP RTV lm/kjp/wz/rsm

KEYWORD: PETROLEUM (CANBERRA)

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