EDO CAUGHT FUNDRAISING OFF BACK OF ANTI-COAL COURT CAMPAIGN
The Environmental Defenders Office has been accused again of launching vexatious legal action to hamper approved developments, this time in an attempt to scuttle a new Queensland steel-making coal mine.
Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald, slammed the EDO for launching court action against Whitehavenâs Winchester South coal mine all while begging the public for donations to fund their anti-development campaign.
This comes only months after the EDO was strongly criticised in a Federal Court judgement for questionable conduct in a case it brought against a Northern Territory gas development on behalf of Tiwi Islanders.
âThe EDO hasnât learned despite being raked over the coals by Justice Charlesworth for confecting evidence and witness coaching,â she said.
âIt has already received a major boost in funding from the Albanese Government, all while conducting workshops to advise people how to become a legally ârelevant personâ in an attempt to derail projects.
âNow they are at it again, admitting to using the courts as an anti-development campaigning tool.
âThe EDO needs to come clean and tell us who is funding this vexatious litigation designed solely to stop the development of a mine that will provide economic benefits to Australia and ensure our trade partners get the steel-making coal they need.
âThe world will continue to need steel-making coal for decades to come. There is no replacement in the foreseeable future and I applaud those mining companies that are willing to invest in the future of Australiaâs steel-making coal industry.
âCoal demand will remain strong for many decades and if other countries canât get Australian coal they will simply buy higher-emitting coal from elsewhere. Any country concerned about emissions should be using high-quality Australian coal.
âIt is economic suicide for Australian coal mines to be held to ransom by the likes of the EDO. A Coalition Government will end funding for this activist group.â
ENDS