FED: No Senate inquiry into oil spill, Howard says

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-1999
FED: No Senate inquiry into oil spill, Howard says

CANBERRA, Aug 6 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today rejected calls from environmental
groups for a Senate inquiry into the Sydney Harbour oil spill.

Mr Howard said the matter ought to be handled by New South Wales state authorities, which
had acted promptly and effectively.

"This is another example of the passion for inquiries this country has," he said on Radio
3AW.

"You have got a total responsibility of the harbour authorities and the state government.
Let's put the party politics aside.

"Nobody wanted the oil spill to happen in Sydney Harbour. Whatever steps the New South
Wales Premier needs to take to get to the bottom of it, I totally support and it is his
responsibility."

AAP mb/sc/wjf/br

KEYWORD: TANKER HOWARD

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