Martin snubs Minister over uranium mining row Federal Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane has given his clearest indication yet that he might overrule the Northern Territory Government's ban on new uranium mines.
Mr Macfarlane has repeatedly stated his opposition to the ban that he says it will cost the Territory jobs and billions of dollars of export revenue.
He has been seeking legal advice on whether the Commonwealth can overrule the Territory ban to clear the way for new uranium mines and says he will present that advice to NT Mines Minister Kon Vatskalis today.
Mr Macfarlane says he was hoping to see NT Chief Minister Clare Martin too, but she has refused to meet with him.
"I was keen to work with the Northern Territory Government to resolve what is an unacceptable uncertainty and confusion within the industry as it relates to future uranium mining and I wanted to do that in cooperation with the Northern Territory Government," he said.
"If Clare [Martin] doesn't want to be involved in that, then I'll work quite happily with Kon [Vatskalis] but I can assure Clare that this issue will be resolved."
Mr Macfarlane says he has "categorical legal advice" that will end the confusion over the future of uranium mining in NT.
"I've instigated extensive research in this area and I do have quite categoric legal advice in this regard and I'll be discussing that with Kon and then on the basis of that how we move forward from there," he said.
"It could mean a lot of things. Out of courtesy I don't want to speculate on what's in the legal advice but can I say it will bring an end to the confusion."
