Fed: Commonwealth not responsible for Qld land clearing: Hill

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-1999
Fed: Commonwealth not responsible for Qld land clearing: Hill

SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - Federal Environment Minister Robert Hill has accused Queensland
Premier Peter Beattie of failing to deliver on his promise to halt land clearing.

Senator Hill said Mr Beattie was trying to pass the buck to the Commonwealth government,
rather than taking responsibility for his own state.

Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett today called on Mr Beattie and Senator Hill to practice
bipartisanship and find common ground in negotiations over land clearing in Queensland.

But Mr Hill told reporters in Sydney that it was not the Commonwealth's responsibility.

"Mr Beattie promised legislation in Queensland by Christmas...," Senator Hill said.

"What he's trying to do is pass the buck to the Commonwealth by saying put in $100
million and then I'll be able to deliver on my promise."

Senator Hill said Queensland must follow the lead of the other states by regulating
land clearing and funding it themselves.

He said 80 per cent of land clearing in Australia took place in Queensland.

"Queensland has a budget in surplus, Mr Beattie has other priorities for money (but)
he ought to see the importance of this as well," he said.

If Mr Beattie showed leadership, he could go to the Commonwealth for help in the event
of a financial shortfall, Senator Hill said.

"We will want to be constructive and supportive but it is principally his responsibility
and he's got to show the lead by keeping the commitment he made to the Queensland people,"

he said.

AAP sal/it i

KEYWORD: CLEARING

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.