Skip to main content
Home
  • The Legislative Assembly meets on 16/04/2024 (01:00 PM)
    Assembly sit 16/04/2024
  • The Legislative Council meets on 16/04/2024 (01:00 PM)
    Council sit 16/04/2024
  • The Public Administration meets on 08/04/2024 (10:00 AM)
    Committee meet 08/04/2024

Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 911 asked in the Legislative Council on 30 November 2017 by Hon Tim Clifford

Parliament: 40 Session: 1


INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC PANEL INQUIRY INTOHYDRAULIC FRACTURE STIMULATION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA — SCOPE
      911. Hon TIM CLIFFORD to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the inquiry into gas fracking established by the government.
      (1) Is the scope of the inquiry constrained in any way, other than by the legislation under which the inquiry is constituted?
(2) If yes to (1), in what way is the scope constrained?
      (3) Will the minister provide additional resources should this be necessary for the inquiry to properly undertake its work in a way that is independent from government agencies?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
      (5) Will the inquiry examine the climate change impacts and greenhouse gas emissions from a potential unconventional gas industry in WA?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
      (7) Will the inquiry examine the relative environmental impacts of unconventional gas compared with other energy sources that are available to meet WA's energy needs?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
      (1)–(2) The scope is constrained by the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the specific terms of reference for the inquiry.
      (3)–(4) No. The panel has adequate resources to conduct the independent scientific inquiry within the terms of reference.
      (5) In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the panel will consider direct greenhouse gas emissions from unconventional gas operations and their related impacts.
(6) Not applicable.
      (7)–(8) No. The comparison with other energy sources is outside the terms of reference of the independent scientific inquiry into hydraulic fracture stimulation.