Liberal MP 'a traitor to Western Australia'

3/8/06
Federal Liberal MP Don Randall has been described as a 'traitor to Western Australia' following his criticism of the Carpenter Government's plan to secure natural gas reserves for domestic use.
Energy Minister Francis Logan said Mr Randall's comments were 'staggering' and 'insulting'.
The Minister said Mr Randall was clearly out of touch with the desires of his constituents and a traitor to WA.
In a television news report yesterday, Mr Randall said the domestic gas plan was 'not in the national interest' and 'provincial in Mr Carpenter's mentality for WA'.
Mr Logan said the State's biggest user of gas, Alcoa, had one of its bauxite refineries and gas-fired power stations in Mr Randall's electorate of Canning.
"Alcoa would employ many of his constituents, so it is unbelievable that Mr Randall would advocate a situation where Alcoa's long-term viability and many of these jobs could be put under threat," he said.
"Does he not care about the well-being of people in his electorate? Mr Randall is insulting his electorate and insulting the people of WA."
The Minister said Mr Randall's comments were even more staggering because many domestic users in his own electorate had been lobbying for access to reticulated natural gas for many years.
"But instead of supporting a plan that would secure gas reserves for domestic use, Mr Randall would prefer to sell it all overseas," Mr Logan said.
"It is a staggering view that makes no sense, particularly from a politician who claims to represent an electorate where the provision of reticulated gas is so important.
"This is too big an issue to play politics with.
"Under current domestic gas contracts, natural gas supplies for WA households and industry could run out within 10 to 15 years.
"The State Government has a responsibility to guarantee WA's energy needs for the future. Natural gas is an important part of these needs and we want to ensure that Western Australians always have access to their own gas."

Minister's office: (08) 9222 8950