Tuesday, 10 September 2019

 Ms BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13:05): My question is for the Minister for Resources. In May this year I furnished the minister with the contact details of the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria (PMAV). This group, which has branches in mid and East Gippsland, has multiple concerns, including recommendations being considered by government to lock up more public land as well as their growing frustration in navigating the complex red tape in the department of earth resources. Specifically the PMAV are seeking to discuss problems with licensing arrangements and frustrating delays. For example, one application process that should be taking only three months is taking 18 months and considerable cost. In over three months the PMAV have had no contact despite a personal commitment from the minister to meet with them. Members of the prospecting and mining community, including Ken Whittaker from Tanjil South, want and deserve the right to detail their concerns. When will the minister keep her promise and meet with the members of the Prospectors and Miners Association?