Call to end Alcoa secrecy
Greens Bill plan to scrap FOI exemption
A PROPOSAL to scrap Alcoa’s Freedom of Information exemption is set to be revived, after the failed demolition of the decommissioned Anglesea power station.
The Victorian Greens have announced a plan to reintroduce a Bill to Parliament to cancel the FOI exemption previously granted to Alcoa to protect commercial agreements and trade secrets.
The move comes after widespread anger and concern around last month’s failed demolition of the power station, particularly around the area’s potential exposure to asbestos and toxic dust.
“There is no longer any justification for this FOI exemption,” Victorian Greens spokeswoman for climate change Ellen Sandell said.
“The Anglesea community is being kept in the dark by Alcoa and the Andrews Labor Government about rehabilitation plans for the old power station site and that’s just not good enough. What does the Andrews Labor Gov- ernment have to hide?
“The Greens’ attempt to remove this exemption back in 2015 was blocked by Labor. This time around I’m strongly advising the Andrews Government to prioritise people ahead of fossil fuel companies and vote for my bill.”
After the botched power plant demolition, the state’s safety watchdog, WorkSafe, moved to allay concerns around public health issues.
“Air monitoring has been in place at the site since before demolition began and has not revealed any health and safety concerns,” a statement read.
Alcoa had previously stated it had carried out a year-long asbestos removal program on the site, and claimed the partial demolition had been “safely executed”.
Despite this, concerns have lingered regarding potential health risks.
Environment Victoria campaigns manager Nick Aberle this week said Alcoa and WorkSafe had not fully disclosed all expert reports, risk assessments and monitoring results around the demolition.
“We are concerned about possible asbestos and particulate matter exposure after a cloud of dust blew across the town of Anglesea in the aftermath of the failed demolition,” Mr Aberle said. “Following the failed demolition, Environment Victoria supports community calls for an independent inquiry into the process of cleaning up the site.”
Corangamite federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson also spoke out against Alcoa’s FOI exemption this week.
“No further demolition should happen until there is full disclosure and transparency. I’m also calling on the State Government to overturn Alcoa’s FOI exemption,” Ms Henderson said. “There’s no reason why Alcoa should be a protected species when every other company which deals with government must comply with the FOI legislation.”