The Australian Democrats have called on the Environment Minister to give substance to his claimed commitment to protecting the Gammon Ranges National Park.

"While the Democrats welcome the court ruling upholding the Minister’s refusal to allow mining in the Gammon Ranges, we note that mining could commence with a stroke of the next Minister’s pen", Democrat leader Mike Elliott said today.

"This is because under ‘joint proclamation’ the Minister can approve damaging uses for the park, including mining, at any time he or she wishes to do so.

"That is not protection!

"The Australian Democrats and environment groups have long called for the removal of joint proclamation from the Gammon Ranges and other parks in South Australia.

"If a Minister claims credit for protecting a park, when he has not had the courage to ensure its future protection through revoking joint proclamation, it can appear to be little more than cynical politics.

"This Minister is part of a Government that in the past has shown blatant disregard for community opposition to mineral exploration in our pristine parks and world heritage areas (such as Yumbarra and Coongie Lakes).

"A record like this casts a shadow over the around 75% of jointly proclaimed National Parks in the state.

"My argument is not for or against mining. It is about the way our State Government decides on the future of our valuable national parks without any adequate analysis of what needs protection.

"This is why a full review of our jointly proclaimed National Parks is imperative. Only then will we be able to balance environmental and economic interests.

"If the Environment Minister was serious about protecting our parks for the future he would instigate this review and then issue single proclamation on the basis its findings. Then the Gammon Ranges would be safe."