By Gary Warner

In an unexpected development, ALP candidate Daron Keogh announced today that he will ask the Labor Party to consider a moratorium on all gas fracking.

His advice indicated a reversal of the opinion indicated in his response to a recent list of questions put by Everything Geraldton to all the Durack candidates.

In reply to the third question; Do you support a moratorium on all gas fracking activity in WA subject to a thorough Environmental Protection Agency enquiry into the cumulative impacts the process would have on our state? – Mr Keogh wrote “No”.

He added that “All mining projects in Australia must meet the relevant state and federal environmental laws. In addition, the fracking industry in Australia is subject to world’s best practice for the development of our resources.” However, he said today that he had “listened to the voice of the people” at last night’s Lock The Gate forum in Dongara.

“I didn’t speak at the meeting, but I do believe we’re chewing up our more easily obtained fossil fuels instead of focusing on the development of renewable energy resources,” Mr Keogh said. “I believe Australia has the best possible checks and balances in place for the hydraulic fracturing industry, but I also believe the Australian Labor Party should consider a moratorium on fracking.”

He said he had not passed on his request “officially”, but has asked that the policy be reconsidered. “At this late stage of the election campaign, I think it’s most unlikely to be made part of the party policy, but I believe it should be,” he said.

“It is very clear that many people want a moratorium on fracking, both in WA and nationally, and I am prepared to support that view.