Two months old but still very interesting for new investors.
Environment Minister excused from green tape decisions on projects with conflict of interest,.. April 15, 2021
Newly minted Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has recused herself from making any green tape decisions on two projects her mining consultant step-father has worked on.
Premier Mark McGowan defended the appointment of Ms Sanderson to the role on advice there would be no issues as long as another minister made the decision on the projects and given her step-father Julian Tapp was divesting his interests.
Ms Sanderson’s potential conflicts of interest were revealed on 6PR Mornings with Liam Bartlett on Thursday when the radio host brought up Mr Tapp’s connection to the Lake Way Sulphate of Potash Project, which could create 1000 jobs, as a consultant.
The government provided a statement during the segment stating Ms Sanderson had recused herself from making any decisions regarding the potash project as well as Vimy Resources’ Mulga Rock uranium mine.
“Minister Sanderson recused herself from any decision making regarding approvals for Lake Way sulphate of potash project and Mulga Rock uranium project in accordance with the Interpretation Act 1984,” the statement said.
“This potential conflict was identified by the Environment Minister prior to her appointment and advice was sought from the Public Sector Commissioner, Department Premier of Cabinet and the State Solicitors Office, as is appropriate and in the interest of transparency.
“As a result, Minister [John] Quigley was appointed the decision maker for these projects.
”Mr Tapp is the chief nuclear officer for Vimy but it is understood the company already has all its required ministerial approvals, prior to Ms Sanderson’s appointment, with no further decisions needed from a minister.
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