With reference to Gunns’ proposed pulp mill at Bell Bay in Tasmania:

(1)   From January 2002 to date, what communications have there been between the Minister, the Minister’s staff or department and Gunns Ltd relating to the proposed pulp mill, and in each case: (a) what was the date of the communication; (b) what was the nature of the communication; (c) who was involved in the communication; and (d) what was the purpose and content of the communication. (2)   (a) What conditions apply to the Government’s offer of $5 million assistance for the pulp mill; and (b) when is the money likely to be made available.

(2) (a)   What conditions apply to the Government’s offer of $5 million assistance for the pulp mill; and (b) when is the money likely to be made available.

(1)   As a matter of routine, I as the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, my staff and officers of my Department communicate on a regular basis with proponents, non-government organisations and members of the community regarding proposed developments with likely impacts on the environment.  While I would not expect there to be numerous communications in this case, the effort required to answer this question in examining Departmental files and checking with all relevant Departmental staff, staff within my Office, the previous Minister and his staff would involve an unreasonable diversion of resources for my Department. (2)   (a) The Prime Minister announced on 29 June 2004 that the Australian Government was prepared to consider contributing up to $5 million to assist with project costs, conditional upon the feasibility study commissioned by Gunns Limited concluding that an environmental best practice pulp mill is economically viable. (b) No decision has been made as to when this money is likely to be made available.

(2) (a)   The Prime Minister announced on 29 June 2004 that the Australian Government was prepared to consider contributing up to $5 million to assist with project costs, conditional upon the feasibility study commissioned by Gunns Limited concluding that an environmental best practice pulp mill is economically viable. (b) No decision has been made as to when this money is likely to be made available.