Labor Calls For Moratorium on CSG Fracking in Victoria

State opposition in Australian state of Victoria, the Labor party, has called for a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration until complete investigation is done.

The party said there are many unresolved issues reading the process used in exploring coal seam gas, known as fracking.

The party plans to push for a freeze on new exploration licences for coal seam and other unconventional gas projects while a parliamentary inquiry is held.

Labor's spokeswoman, Lily D'Ambrosio, said an inquiry needs to examine the potential environmental impacts of the controversial process.

"We believe that there is evidence that is emerging that raises some questions about the safety, health and environmental impacts of coal-seam gas exploration," she said.

Labor's stance comes as an alliance of 34 environment and community groups called for a ban on all new on-shore coal and unconventional gas operation until there has been an investigation into the impacts on water, land, food security, communities and greenhouse emissions.

The government has responded by saying that any such ban is not needed as mining and agriculture had co-existed in Victoria for centuries, and that the state already had stringent regulations.