NSW Liberals seek Wallaga Asbestos documents through Upper House
The Rees Government will be forced to release all departmental documentation relating to asbestos in Wallaga Lake following a successful call for papers moved by NSW Liberals Shadow Minister for the Environment Catherine Cusack and supported by the Shooters, the Greens and Independent Member the Hon. Gordon Moyes in the New South Wales Legislative Council.
Labor and Christian Democrat Rev. Fred Nile sought to defeat the motion by voting against the call for papers. “The NSW Liberals are determined to get to the bottom of why the NSW Government has turned its back on the Wallaga Lake community and the problems of asbestos besetting local residents,” Mr Constance said.
“The Rees Government through Greater Southern Area Health Service is claiming that there is no health risks, yet in recent weeks we have had one contractor and the Asbestos Diseases Foundation indicate that there is a significant problem,” Mr Constance said.
“We need to ensure the asbestos is cleaned up and an answer from the State Government is given as to why it took 18 months for an assessment to be undertaken of the problem,” Mr Constance said.“ Every NSW Government agency involved will now be forced by law to release the documentation despite efforts of the Government and Rev Fred Nile to block the NSW Liberals attempts.
“Rev Fred Nile should be forced publicly to explain why he would oppose such a motion seeking the documents and why he voted with Labor,” Mr Constance said. “I am very disappointed in his decision and ask of him to reflect deeply on why he made such a decision,” he said. “This is a very serious situation that is yet to be resolved and there must be accountability,” Mr Constance said. “I do not want to see anybody’s health at risk and a process to ensure that the asbestos is cleaned up be found as quickly as possible,” he said.
