MEDIA RELEASE – SURELY IT’S TIME FOR FEDERAL LABOR MPS TO STAND UP FOR OUR STATE

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

20 MARCH 2025

SURELY IT’S TIME FOR FEDERAL LABOR MPs TO STAND UP FOR OUR STATE

Federal WA Labor MPs like Madeleine King and Patrick Gorman should be brave enough to stand up to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Tanya Plibersek and demand they stop dragging their feet on the approval of the North West Shelf gas hub extension.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the delays by Minister Plibersek were for political reasons and her WA colleagues should call her and the Prime Minister out.

“Western Australians expect that the politicians who they elect to Federal Parliament should stand up for our State,’’ Senator Cash said.

The Cook Labor State Government approved the extension of the North West Shelf gas hub in December last year after a six year long process.

“Premier Roger Cook and his Government has done the right thing by WA in approving this vital project and it is baffling that Mr Albanese won’t do the same thing,’’ Senator Cash said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced that a Coalition Government would fast track the assessment process so that a decision would be made within 30 days of coming to Government.

“It is clear that Mr Albanese and Ms Plibersek are delaying this process for political reasons, trying to win favour with inner city Green voters in the eastern States,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Prioritising inner city voters in the east does nothing to help Western Australia,’’ she said.

“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.

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.

“There is no reason for Mr Albanese or Ms Plibersek to delay the process any longer and their WA colleagues like Madeleine King and Patrick Gorman should tell them this,’’ she said.

ENDS