PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) on Wednesday expressed concerns over the Queensland government’s decision to introduce new environmental laws preventing failing companies from sticking taxpayers with environmental clean-up bills.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles introduced the Environment Protection Amendment Bill to Parliament on Tuesday, saying that stronger laws were required to ensure that sites operated by companies in financial difficulty continue to comply with their environmental obligations.

One of the key features of the new Bill was allowing environmental protection orders to be issued to ‘a party’ that had some relevant relationship to a company that was in financial difficulty, which could include a parent company or executive officer.

“The introduction of the Environmental Protection (Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Bill by Miles has caused significant concern for Amec and its members in Queensland,” said Amec CEO Simon Bennison, adding that the industry body was “extremely disappointed” that there had been no consultation with industry on the development of this Bill.

“The Minister has stated that these amendments are vital; however, the industry has been left in the dark.

“Whilst Amec does not condone unethical behaviour or environmental harm, strong laws must be debated to ensure there are no unintended consequences. Without consultation the Labor government is simply repeating errors of their predecessors.”

Bennison warned that the change in laws could potentially drive investment away from Queensland.

He has demanded a full consultation with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection before the Bill was passed.

“We don’t want laws developed without proper consultation with industry that could have unintended consequences for jobs in Queensland.”