Support mining reform in the NT

The Northern Territory has released its long-awaited reforms to the NT's mining laws.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the system that led to environmental disasters like McArthur River Mine.

Amongst other things, the reforms relocate many regulatory powers within the environment department. This is entirely appropriate.

But we know the mining lobby fights tooth and nail to resist accountability. That's why these reforms are under threat.

Will you write to the relevant Ministers- Minister for Mining Nicole Manison, and Minister for Environment Lauren Moss- today and back the reforms in? This is a crucial moment to clean up our mining regulation, we need to ensure the industry doesn't interfere at the last minute.

Dear Minister,
I am writing in support of the draft mining reform legislation that has been released by the Northern Territory Government.
Reform of the NT's broken mining laws is long overdue. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the system that has led to environmental disasters such as McArthur River Mine and Rum Jungle. I welcome the steps your government has taken to fix the way mining is regulated in the Territory.
By moving regulative responsibility to the environment department, you are creating a more transparent and accountable system and removing the risk of percieved sectoral capture where the same industry promotes and regulates mines. 
We particularly welcome the requirement to consider the clearing of native vegetation, the move to have the environment department calculate security bonds, and the introduction of merits review for mining licensing decisions. These are all important features of any regulatory landscape that have been missing in the Territory for too long.
We know that the mining lobby will fight tooth and nail to evade accountability. But Territorians have an interest in seeing a properly regulated industry. After all, the mineral resources under the ground belong to the Territory. That is why this reform is so important, especially as we look down the barrel of a critical minerals boom. We need to get this right, to prevent greater environmental and cultural harm.
There is strong community support for mining law reform. In this term, your Government has an opportunity to step in line with community sentiment and deliver these reforms.