Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (18 June 2019)

Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs):

Thank you, Mr Barton, for your question about the need to ‘lawyer up’ to participate in the independent inquiry and advisory committee (IAC) hearing for North East Link Project. I wish to assure you that people do not need lawyers to present to the IAC on their submissions.

A legal approach to public hearings is not envisaged by the Ministerial Guidelines under the Environment Effects Act 1978. A non-adversarial approach was confirmed by the IAC chair, Mr Nick Wimbush, at the directions hearing on Friday 21 June 2019. Mr Wimbush stated that members of the public would not be cross-examined, although the IAC may seek clarification on points made by submitters to aid in understanding the submitters’ points of view.

On this basis, I encourage people who have indicated they want to appear before the IAC to take this important opportunity to speak about their concerns with the North East Link Project Environment Effects Statement.