A new environment minister in Murray Watt has finally given the energy company a decades-long extension for operation of its vital North West Shelf project. But the fights over gas won’t stop.
Facing down environmental and climate activists, Murray Watt has conceded energy, economic and political reality in proposing to finally approve the extension of Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf gas project.
The Albanese government preferred to avoid making any such announcement ahead of the election. Watt’s predecessor as environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, had twice delayed a decision. She had no desire to face another political brawl over accusations of inadequate action on climate change or, alternatively, risk being again publicly overridden by her prime minister.
Loading...
Jennifer Hewett is the national affairs columnist. She writes a daily column on politics, business and the economy. Connect with Jennifer on Twitter. Email Jennifer at jennifer.hewett@afr.com
