LNP questions timing of Adani legal action

The Queensland government is being questioned over the timing of its decision to prosecute Adani for alleged environmental breaches.

Queensland's opposition has questioned whether political influence played a role in the environment department's decision to prosecute an Adani-owned company for alleged environmental breaches.

Abbot Point Bulkcoal has been charged by the state's Department of Environment and Science with breaching a temporary emissions licence.

It is alleged the company released sediment water eight times over the allowed limit into the Great Barrier Reef during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

The department's had until Friday to launch legal action.

Its decision to prosecute followed two days of protests by anti-Adani activists, who criticised the government for not acting 17 months after the alleged discharge.

Liberal National Party shadow environment spokesman David Crisafulli has questioned if the decision was influenced by the demonstrations.

"Does the minister deny that the decision to prosecute was made in response to protest pressure?" he asked Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch during question time on Thursday.

Ms Enoch insists the decision was made on solid legal and scientific advice.

"That was made without political interference," she said in response.

"Unlike the LNP and the Greens, we won't put our laws at risk having politicians say who gets prosecuted."

APB categorically refutes any wrongdoing and says it has fully complied with the conditions of its licence.

The matter is set to be heard in the Bowen Magistrates Court on October 23 and the maximum penalty is $2.7 million.


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Source: AAP



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