Approximately 46,758 square kilometres of ocean off the coasts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria has been opened up for oil and gas exploration by the Albanese government.
The news was announced this week by Resources Minister Madeleine King, who said allowing oil and gas companies to explore the ocean acreage was vital to meet Australia’s future energy needs. It comes as the government is in the process of legislating its 43 per cent by 2030 emissions reduction target.
“At the same time as we strive to reduce emissions it must be emphasised that continued exploration for oil and gas in Commonwealth waters is central to alleviating future domestic gas shortfalls,” King said.
“Australia’s energy sector also continues to support international energy security, particularly during the global turbulence caused largely by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”
The government’s decision has been heavily criticised by environmental groups, climate activists and politicians on the crossbench who have campaigned for stronger climate action.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel said the government needs to be explain how the oil and gas exploration is appropriate, considering its own climate targets.
“This requires an explanation from the government as to how this does not run counter to the climate target that was passed through the house in the last session,” Daniel tweeted.
“This is no time for business as usual on fossil fuels nor lip service on climate.”
Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said Labor likes to “talk big on climate” but will end up doing what their fossil fuel donors demand.
“We already have enough oil and gas in reserves to trigger catastrophic climate change to our planet,” he said.
Independent MP Zali Steggall said new oil and gas wells are unnecessary and irresponsible, and has called on the Minister for Resources Madeleine King to reverse the decision, and end all seismic testing in Commonwealth waters.
“The International Energy Agency has said that new oil and gas extraction is not consistent with a roadmap to net zero by 2050,” Steggall said in a statement.
“The IPCC and the United Nations Secretary General agree that we simply cannot have any new fossil fuel extraction.”
Stegall also noted the exploration itself will cause environmental damage and be detrimental to whale migration routes, even if a project is never commissioned.
“Underwater seismic testing is known to have devastating impacts on marine life, with Nature finding an 88 per cent decrease in whale sightings in areas of seismic testing. The areas impacted almost surround the country and two key whale migration routes.”