Boost environment clean-up laws: Qld govt

Queensland's environment minister has used the voluntary administration of Linc Energy as a prime example of why tough new laws are needed to ensure taxpayers aren't left footing the bill for expensive environmental clean-ups.

The Chain of Responsibility bill was introduced to the parliament on March 15, but members of the LNP have expressed concerns its powers are too "over-reaching".

Environment Minister Dr Miles said on Saturday the laws would allow the government to "peak behind the curtain" and investigate companies that tried to flout its responsibilities.

Queensland-based underground coal gasification company Linc Energy announced on Friday it had gone into voluntary administration.

PPB Advisory administrator Stephen Longley said the business owed an estimated $150 million to its employees and other creditors.

The preference is to restructure the company, but the alternative is liquidation.

Dr Miles said the Chain of Responsibility bill, if approved, would allow the government to investigate if there really was no money left to pay creditors or foot the bill for a multi-million-dollar clean-up at one of its Queensland plants.

"The purpose of these laws first of all is to give the regulator evidential powers to find out if that's true and to find out if anybody, any company or individual, has used complex legal structures to avoid obligations they would otherwise have to pay," he said.

Last month, Linc Energy was committed to face trial over allegations it caused serious environmental harm at its Hopeland plant, west of Brisbane.

Dr Miles said the criminal charges would continue, but the situation may change if Linc Energy goes into liquidation.

A civil lawsuit against the company will be stayed, unless the government applies for special leave from the court to continue the matter.

A cross-party parliamentary committee released a report about the Chain of Responsibility bill on Friday.

Dr Miles said it would need to be examined before deciding if he would accept any amendments.

"If there are ways to make the bill better and stronger we will consider those," he said.