Tasmania Attorney-General says he will not intervene on issue of Gunns pulp mill permits, to leave independent regulators decision on validity of proposed permits

Kendall Sinclair

HOBART, Australia , August 31, 2011 (press release) – The Attorney-General, Brian Wightman, said he would not intervene in the issue of pulp mill permits.

“Independent regulators will decide whether the permits for Gunns’ proposed pulp mill are valid and I do not believe that the public want to see politicians meddling in that process,” Mr Wightman said.

“The Director of the EPA, Alex Schaap, has received a request from Gunns for a minor variation to the storm water management plan on the pulp mill site.

“This has triggered the process for determining whether Gunns has a valid permit.

“Mr Schaap has requested the company make a submission explaining why it believes substantial commencement has occurred and he will seek legal advice before making a determination.

“This is as it should be – proper process, at arm’s length from Government.

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