❓ Dr. Walker questions the Minister regarding a potential Santos takeover by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, raising concerns about WA assets and Australian energy access. The Minister states the department hasn't received notifications of proposed transactions.
AnsweredQoN 643Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Santos—Takeover—Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company643.Hon Dr Brian Walkerto theminister representing
the Minister for Mines and Petroleum:I refer the minister
to widespread media speculation suggesting that mining giant Santos is poised
to conclude takeover discussions with the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company. I am concerned for the position in which this might leave WA assets.(1) What leases, permits and/or agreements are
currently held by Santos in Western Australia, or in Western Australian waters?(2) Does the government share any of the concerns
raised publicly by the likes of Ryan Stokes, son of media mogul Kerry Stokes,
that such a takeover could "end up denying Australians access to their own
energy source"?(3) To allay such fears, will the government
instigate a public review of the leases, permits and/or agreements entered into
with Santos and, if not, why not?
Company643.Hon Dr Brian Walkerto theminister representing
the Minister for Mines and Petroleum:I refer the minister
to widespread media speculation suggesting that mining giant Santos is poised
to conclude takeover discussions with the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company. I am concerned for the position in which this might leave WA assets.(1) What leases, permits and/or agreements are
currently held by Santos in Western Australia, or in Western Australian waters?(2) Does the government share any of the concerns
raised publicly by the likes of Ryan Stokes, son of media mogul Kerry Stokes,
that such a takeover could "end up denying Australians access to their own
energy source"?(3) To allay such fears, will the government
instigate a public review of the leases, permits and/or agreements entered into
with Santos and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
9 September 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:I thank the member
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.(1) As at 9 September 2025, Santos is the
registered holder of three exploration permits, two production licences, 12
pipeline licences, one retention lease, 10 territorial production licences, 16
territorial pipeline licences and one territorial retention lease.(2)–(3) The Department of Mines, Petroleum
and Exploration has not received any notifications of proposed transactions
relating to these leases or permits.
Santos—Takeover—Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.(1) As at 9 September 2025, Santos is the
registered holder of three exploration permits, two production licences, 12
pipeline licences, one retention lease, 10 territorial production licences, 16
territorial pipeline licences and one territorial retention lease.(2)–(3) The Department of Mines, Petroleum
and Exploration has not received any notifications of proposed transactions
relating to these leases or permits.
Santos—Takeover—Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company
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