Liberals, Nationals Need To Come Clean On Fracking

Minister for Resources Wade Noonan has urged Victoria’s Liberal and Nationals to reveal their stance on fracking, in the wake of their South Australian colleagues committing to a 10-year moratorium for unconventional gas.

Liberal South Australian Opposition Leader Steven Marshall has made an election commitment for a moratorium on unconventional gas less than a week after the Andrews Labor Government introduced a landmark ban into the Victorian Parliament.

While Mr Marshall has pushed for a moratorium on any unconventional gas exploration or development in the Limestone Coast area, Victorian voters are still in the dark as to which way their local Liberal and National MPs will vote for the Bill introduced last week.

Mr Marshall used his announcement to highlight the uncertainty unconventional gas causes communities, noting the potential to contaminate groundwater and jeopardise premium food and wine production.

The South Australian Liberals’s position is in stark contrast to their pro-fracking federal colleagues and shows the Liberals and Nationals have no clear position, in complete disregard for Victoria’s regional communities.

The Labor Government was elected to put people first – and that means supporting Victorian farmers, their families and regional communities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Wade Noonan

“We’re banning fracking to support farmers, the environment, and our vital food and fibre sector.”

“It's time for Victoria’s Libs and Nats to be clear on where they stand – people deserve to know which way their local members will vote.”

“We've seen unprecedented support for the fracking ban and the only uncertainty for our farmers comes from the Liberals and Nationals.”