That is the question from NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe after three north coast National Party MPs raised issues with the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) consultation process during a press conference in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday.

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Addressing local media, Oxley MP Michael Kemp, Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and Clarence MP Richie Williamson repeated industry claims the GKNP assessment process was being impacted by a conflict of interest.

That perceived conflict stems from Mandala Partners, the firm tasked by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to assess the park’s impact on timber jobs, also being contracted by the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation (ACBF) to provide advice on ending the timber industry altogether.

As reported last week in News Of The Area, Mandala Partners states there is no conflict between the company’s consultancy work for NPWS and ACBF.

The consultancy maintains the research projects have different scope, focus areas, subject matter and cover different geographical areas.

“As a consultancy firm of significant scale, Mandala has strict data protocols and communicates these to clients to ensure there is no crossover,” Mandala Managing Partner Amit Singh said.

“Those strict protocols were adhered to in this case and any suggestion otherwise is false.”

Shadow Minister for the North Coast and the Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Gurmesh Singh said stakeholders were “promised a balanced consultation” on the potential GKNP, claiming both the timber industry and unions had raised concerns with the process.

“Industry is rightfully worried about Mandala Partners’ involvement in this process, and this situation shows the Government is trying to achieve a political outcome here, rather than an environmental one,” said Mr Singh.

“The Minns Labor Government made a dual commitment before the election, to deliver the Great Koala National Park while protecting the jobs of timber workers, but what we are seeing now is the complete opposite.

“Regardless of your views about the GKNP it’s essential that there is a fair and transparent process.”

Clarence MP Richie Williamson said the assessment process is putting thousands of timber industry jobs at risk.

“The hardwood industry is the backbone of the North Coast, supporting more than 5000 families, who can’t afford to let a skewed system take away their livelihoods,” Mr Williamson said.

“On top of that we need to consider the impact the Great Koala National Park will have on the state’s crucial timber supply and the economic fallout for local sawmills and producers.”

During Tuesday’s press conference, the National MPs were each asked whether they supported the creation of the GKNP.

All three responded “no”.

Following that admission, the Environment Minister has called on Liberal leader Mark Speakman to publicly state whether his party supports the GKNP, and whether he condemns the comments of the National Party MPs.

“Mark Speakman urgently needs to come clean with the communities of New South Wales if the future of koalas will be on the line at the next election – or have the koala wars been reignited?” Ms Sharpe said in a statement.

On Wednesday, a press conference and community gathering was held by supporters of the GKNP at Little Newry State Forest.

Speakers included Greens MP Sue Higginson, Gumbaynggirr Elders and conservation group representatives.

Attendees called on the Labor Government to deliver its promise to establish the GKNP, including 176,000 hectares of public forest, and to stop logging it immediately.

By Andrew VIVIAN and Doug CONNOR