❓ Question regarding the cost and justification of a large WA government delegation's attendance at the Offshore Northern Seas Conference in Norway. The government defends the attendance, citing WA's role in LNG exports and the conference's relevance to energy transition.
AnsweredQoN 514Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Report of Overseas Air Travel tabled on 14 August 2025 and note that eight Western Australian (WA) Government representatives, including the outgoing Agent General John Langoulant, attended the Offshore Northern Seas Conference in Norway at a cost of $73,000, and I ask: (a) why was it necessary for eight government representatives to attend; (b) has the Government received any reports on the outcomes or relevance of the conference to WA; (c) if yes to (b), will the Minister table those reports; (d) if no to (b), why were no reports provided given the significant attendance; and (e) how many WA Government representatives attended the same conference in 2022?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
6 days
(a) As the largest LNG exporter in Australia, accounting for 12 per cent of global LNG exports in 2024, Western Australia has been representing Australia at Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) for more than 20 years. In 2024, Western Australia was the only Australian jurisdiction at the conference, bringing a large delegation of Western Australian businesses to explore opportunities in energy transition, including decommissioning. The size of the Western Australian delegation at ONS has increased over the years, reflecting the broader focus on renewable energy and decarbonisation.
Senior Western Australian Government officials participated in meetings with the Norwegian industry and government stakeholders to establish relationships and explore collaboration opportunities between the two jurisdictions.
Three staff from the Invest and Trade WA London Office attended ONS 2024 to support the Western Australian delegation, coordinate meetings and site visits, manage logistics and provide advice to hundreds of industry participants at a dedicated Western Australia stand.
(b) A report internal to the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation was prepared.
(c) Yes; with personal/sensitive information redacted.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Six.
Senior Western Australian Government officials participated in meetings with the Norwegian industry and government stakeholders to establish relationships and explore collaboration opportunities between the two jurisdictions.
Three staff from the Invest and Trade WA London Office attended ONS 2024 to support the Western Australian delegation, coordinate meetings and site visits, manage logistics and provide advice to hundreds of industry participants at a dedicated Western Australia stand.
(b) A report internal to the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation was prepared.
(c) Yes; with personal/sensitive information redacted.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Six.
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