Jimmy's weblog

Around twelve months ago I was involved in a campaign to support the creation of the world’s first marine national parks here in Victoria.

In support of the campaign I sent several letters and emails to relevant politicians, including Craig Ingram, an independent MP representing the East Gippsland region. His vote would have been critical to the passage of legislation had the Liberal opposition party voted against the proposal (they ended up voting in favour).

I had always thought it unlikely that Mr Ingram would vote in favour of the parks given that he represents an electorate with a large marine industry. I was, however, surprised enough by his response that I did some more research.

Craig Ingram’s response to my original email:

James

As you have taken an interest in the establishment of marine parks, I am interested to know your view on some issues that have emerged from the current draft marine park bill.

If possible, can you provide answers to the following questions:

1. Were you aware that the draft marine park bill allows the exploration for and extraction of oil and gas?
2. Do you support exploration for oil and gas in marine protected areas?
3. Do you support the extraction of oil and gas from under marine parks?

I would appreciate your feedback on this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

Craig Ingram MP

My response to his email:

Craig,

In answer to your questions:

1. No, I was not.
2. No, I do not.
3. No, I do not.

I do however support the effort to introduce the marine parks regardless
of the exemptions.

Are you truly interested in hearing feedback on the issue, or are you
more interested in running a spoiling campaign on it? Would you prefer
to see the legislation passed without the exemptions you mention, or for
it to not pass it at all?

My interest in seeing this bill passed is based solely on my desire to
see legislation protecting our world class marine areas. I have no
vested interest in seeing the bill pass in to law (other than to see the
environment protected), though I believe you do. Perhaps this explains
the strange and negative tone of your email.

If you are going to write to me I would appreciate it if you took the
time to offer alternative, constructive suggestions rather than simply
trying to cast doubt on a very valuable piece of legislation.

If you are not willing to take the time to do that, then I will respond
in kind:

“Are you aware that Minister Garbutt and MP Craig Ingram have held talks
regarding the inclusion or exclusion of Cape Howe from the coverage of
the proposed parks? If you heard that Mr Ingram had interests in a
commercial abalone licence in the area, would you believe he was acting
with purely selfless motivation? I would appreciate your feedback on
this important issue.”

Regards,

James Harris

Needless to say I didn’t get a response after this.