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THE Senate inquiry into unconventional gas mining has recommended the government ban fracking, stop approving new projects and appoint a resources ombudsmen. Inquiry chairman, Queensland-based Senator Glenn Lazarus, tabled an interim report with 18 recommendations to the Senate on Wednesday night. Senator Lazarus said the report highlighted the “high levels of confusion, concern and frustration” surrounding the operation of unconventional gas mining in Australia. “Based on the inquiry, I have made recommendations, which include, but are not limited to, the need for a royal commission into the human impact of unconventional gas mining, the appointment of an unconventional gas mining commissioner and a resources ombudsman as well as a national strategy to manage the conduct of unconventional gas mining in Australia,” Senator Lazarus said. “Additionally the Commonwealth government needs to work with all states and territories to immediately give all landholders the right to refuse mining on their land.” The recommendations were based on hundreds of submissions, along with public hearings in Narrabri, Dalby and Darwin. “I am extremely thankful for the courage shown by the people of Australia in standing up against these massive mining companies, particularly in the face of bullying and intimidation,” Senator Lazarus said. More hearings were scheduled, however they were interrupted by the impending election. Senator Lazarus said he expected the resources industry to attack him and the recommendations. “At the end of the day they are concerned about profits, their industry and increasing market share,” he said. “I am concerned about one thing – the people, the health of our people and ensuring that they are treated with respect, decency and are given a fair go. “Clearly based on the evidence provided by landholders affected by unconventional gas mining, including CSG, our people are not being given a fair go – by governments or by the resource sector. “They are being treated poorly and this has to stop.”

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