MEDIA RELEASE – ALBANESE GOVERNMENT DELAY ON WA GAS APPROVAL UNACCEPTABLE

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia

19 February 2025

ALBANESE GOVERNMENT DELAY ON WA GAS APPROVAL UNACCEPTABLE

The Albanese Government’s further delay in approving the extension of the life of Karratha’s North West Shelf gas hub is totally unacceptable.

Senator for Western Australia and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Michaelia Cash, said that it appeared the delay was all about securing Greens’ preferences for the upcoming election.

“The announcement by Mr Albanese’s Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek that they need more time to look at this issue is a total joke. This project has been going through various approval processes for several years.” Senator Cash said.

“Minister Plibersek has a history of rejecting viable projects for dubious reasons. It appears the unnecessary delay to this project is about gaining Greens and Teals preferences for the upcoming Federal election.”

“Rest assured, if Anthony Albanese forms a minority Government with the Greens after the next election, this project will not go ahead.” Senator Cash said.

After a six year process, the Western Australian government gave the go ahead last year for the gas plant to continue operating until 2070.

The North West Shelf has been an economic powerhouse over its 40 years of operation delivering over $40 billion in taxes and royalties since 1984. It has provided a reliable source of domestic gas for Western Australia and has been providing energy for millions of people around the world.

“Continuing the North West Shelf will mean protecting hundreds of jobs, mostly here in Western Australia. The ongoing supply of gas helps to keep energy prices down and is vital to the future prosperity of Australia,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Minister Plibersek should just get on with it and approve this process. The process took six years for the State Government and the Albanese Government now needs to give certainty to all involved.’’ she said.

ENDS