❓ Dr. Honey questions the Premier about the Federal Court's decision impacting the Scarborough LNG project and the Premier's communication with federal ministers. The Premier confirms contact with the federal Minister for Resources and expresses disappointment with the court's decision.
AnsweredQoN 739Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
RESOURCES INDUSTRY — SCARBOROUGH LNG
PROJECT — FEDERAL COURT DECISION
739. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Premier:
I refer to the recent decision by
the Federal Court of Australia to reject the National Offshore Petroleum Safety
and Environmental Management Authority's approval for Woodside Energy
to complete seismic work associated with the development of the Scarborough
project. I also note industry concerns that the Federal Court's
decision sets a precedent for ongoing easier challenges to mining projects
based on similar grounds. What contact has the Premier had with the Prime
Minister and/or the federal Minister for Resources to discuss this new threat
to the resource industry in Western Australia, in particular the gas industry,
to determine what urgent action needs to be taken in the federal Parliament to
remove this threat to mining development and our state's gas industry?
PROJECT — FEDERAL COURT DECISION
739. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Premier:
I refer to the recent decision by
the Federal Court of Australia to reject the National Offshore Petroleum Safety
and Environmental Management Authority's approval for Woodside Energy
to complete seismic work associated with the development of the Scarborough
project. I also note industry concerns that the Federal Court's
decision sets a precedent for ongoing easier challenges to mining projects
based on similar grounds. What contact has the Premier had with the Prime
Minister and/or the federal Minister for Resources to discuss this new threat
to the resource industry in Western Australia, in particular the gas industry,
to determine what urgent action needs to be taken in the federal Parliament to
remove this threat to mining development and our state's gas industry?
AnswerView source ↗
I am not sure what the opposition
has planned for me for the rest of question time, so in case this is my last
question, I take the opportunity to wish everyone all the very best for the
referendum on the weekend. That provides me with an opportunity to acknowledge
the member for Central Wheatbelt and her position on this. She has our respect
and great admiration for her position on this. I think the Nationals WA is all
the poorer for not having her in the position of Leader of the Opposition.
The decision by the Federal Court
is obviously very disappointing. It presents a significant challenge for
industry. It relates to the capacity under
legislation for the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental
Management Authority to provide a conditional licence subject to further
consultation, which is what it did in this particular case, as the member would
be aware. The Federal Court came to the view that under its legislation it did
not have that capacity. This obviously represents a significant challenge for
the industry.
Upon hearing of this particular
decision, I immediately contacted the federal Minister for Resources; Northern Australia, Madeleine King. She shares my concerns
I think it is fair to say. She was awaiting advice on what response the
federal government should take, if any is required. Obviously, we were anxious
about that. We would expect some response. Obviously, we will await, with some
anticipation, the outcome of those considerations. I want to assure the member
that I have been in touch with both industry and the federal government in
relation to this matter and we are monitoring the situation very carefully.
has planned for me for the rest of question time, so in case this is my last
question, I take the opportunity to wish everyone all the very best for the
referendum on the weekend. That provides me with an opportunity to acknowledge
the member for Central Wheatbelt and her position on this. She has our respect
and great admiration for her position on this. I think the Nationals WA is all
the poorer for not having her in the position of Leader of the Opposition.
The decision by the Federal Court
is obviously very disappointing. It presents a significant challenge for
industry. It relates to the capacity under
legislation for the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental
Management Authority to provide a conditional licence subject to further
consultation, which is what it did in this particular case, as the member would
be aware. The Federal Court came to the view that under its legislation it did
not have that capacity. This obviously represents a significant challenge for
the industry.
Upon hearing of this particular
decision, I immediately contacted the federal Minister for Resources; Northern Australia, Madeleine King. She shares my concerns
I think it is fair to say. She was awaiting advice on what response the
federal government should take, if any is required. Obviously, we were anxious
about that. We would expect some response. Obviously, we will await, with some
anticipation, the outcome of those considerations. I want to assure the member
that I have been in touch with both industry and the federal government in
relation to this matter and we are monitoring the situation very carefully.
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