by CRYSTAL-ROSE JONES – LIBERAL Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to approve a gas plant extension, set to operate until 2070, within 30 days if elected in this year’s federal election.
At the heart of the election promise is Woodside’s North West Shelf in Western Australia – one of the largest and most significant natural gas projects in Australia.
- Albanese said environmental factors would be key in all decision-making.
- Dutton accused Labor Minister Catherine King of hurting investment confidence.
- She sits on her hands delaying decisions and causing investor uncertainty.
Uncertainty has beleaguered the intended expansion of the facility, which is owned by Woodside Petroleum and other key players including BHP and Shell.
Dutton said his government would move quickly to break the deadlock.
EXTEND THE LIFE
“We’ve outlined three key points on how we would work with industry, particularly when it comes to the North West Shelf and Woodside with their project there to extend the life of that,” he said.
“Of course, there is a process to go through, but a Dutton Government, once elected, would within 30 days expect the department to provide to the minister, the information necessary to enable us to make a decision.”
He accused Infrastructure Minister Catherine King of stalling approvals, hurting investment confidence.
“It’s no good for Catherine King to sit on her hands as she has – not just with this project – but so many others, delaying decisions and causing investor uncertainty.”
Dutton said the project was about ensuring employment for many Australians.
“I’m seeking a mandate from the Australian people, and in particular from the people of Western Australia, to make sure we can keep mines going and to keep investment and approval processes flowing,” he said.
“Because without it, there are no jobs.”
Mr Dutton’s plans, however, have been dismissed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “another thought bubble”.
“It lasts about as long as a bit of a soap bubble that comes up from a bubble bath,” he said.
“It just disappears into the ether.
“They just come up with these things and they walk away from them, whether it’s referendums, whether it be zonal taxation rates, whether it be the other statements that Peter Dutton makes.”
Albanese also suggested environmental factors would be key in decision-making, revealing that the project had only come across the government’s desk in recent weeks.
The project has faced strong opposition from the Greens, who have criticised its long-term impact on the environment.
The company behind the project, however, welcomed the Opposition’s promise.
“Timely approval of the North West Shelf Extension is critical to ensure this nationally significant asset continues to provide a reliable energy supply to Western Australian businesses and homes,” a Woodside spokesperson said.PC
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