Scrutiny On Mill Decision
The Age
Wednesday October 3, 2007
CHIEF scientist Jim Peacock is checking the detail of Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull's decision on the Tasmanian pulp mill, before its expected announcement tomorrow.
Mr Turnbull has sought to protect himself politically by saying he would follow precisely the recommendations of Dr Peacock and his panel of six experts. The minister, his department and the panel have been working closely over the past few days to ensure the decision is absolutely in line with the report. It is believed the report says more information should be provided by the mill's developers, and extra conditions should be imposed. The authors looked in detail at the effect of mill effluent flowing into the sea. Federal cabinet's feeling last week was for the mill to go ahead provided conditions were met. Developer Gunns has been given a copy of the report by the Government, infuriating critics of the mill who say it should have been released before a decision was announced. But the Government says that under the legislation it had to give Gunns a copy because of the principle of natural justice. -- MICHELLE GRATTAN
© 2007 The Age