The PNG minister quoted in the article earlier suggested Howard tell Frontier to look elsewhere, meaning well they can't do anything about it as long as it passes the normal tests so hands that responsibility over to our government.
They also want compensation if the mining does not go ahead. The Australian government cannot pay this compensation without opening itself up to all sorts of claims from disgruntled people here and overseas who have had mining affect culturally sensitive areas in the past. It will also impact future projects here and worldwide.
So YT advice from a lawyer seems spot on. Making a public noise is about all that can be done.
Also what happens if Frontier walks away from the project?. Another company will step in that will not give two hoots about what Australia wants or does not want. Perhaps we are better off having a company mine the area that is aware enough to keep operations away from the track itself.
They also want compensation if the mining does not go ahead. The Australian government cannot pay this compensation without opening itself up to all sorts of claims from disgruntled people here and overseas who have had mining affect culturally sensitive areas in the past. It will also impact future projects here and worldwide.
So YT advice from a lawyer seems spot on. Making a public noise is about all that can be done.
Also what happens if Frontier walks away from the project?. Another company will step in that will not give two hoots about what Australia wants or does not want. Perhaps we are better off having a company mine the area that is aware enough to keep operations away from the track itself.