ABC News: Call to protect national parks from mining boom

An environmental group says it wants Labor and the Country Liberals to commit to stop issuing mining exploration permits in Northern Territory national parks. Country Liberals environment and mining spokesman Peter Chandler says his party will review mining legislation if it wins government. He says he needs to seek more information on the issue of exploration permits in national parks but it is something the Country Liberals would look at. Environment Centre acting director Jess Abrahams has welcomed Mr Chandler's comments but says there is no place for mining in national parks. "Our national parks are only 3.5 per cent of the Territory (area)," he said. "If we can't set these areas aside from mining, what can we protect? "
Read the full story by Emma Masters and Penny Timms