Environment Minister Murray Watt has denied suggestions the Albanese government deliberately delayed a decision on the massive North West Shelf gas extension until after the federal election to avoid political damage from environmental groups.
The government repeatedly delayed the decision prior to the election and the latest deadline comes on May 31.
The gas project became a controversial topic for the government during the election campaign as WA Premier Roger Cook has pushed for the project to be greenlit.
Following the election victory, Mr Watt rejected claims the government had attempted to shield itself from criticism by postponing the ruling.
“That’s not my understanding,” Mr Watt told Sky News Sunday Agenda, when asked whether the delay was aimed at protecting Labor’s green flank.
“Of course, any of these decisions about big projects like this do require an enormous amount of evidence because they’re really important decisions.”
Mr Watt said further information had been requested from parties involved in the application, which had in turn extended the timeline.
He said he now expects to make a final ruling on the project by the May 31 deadline, having been in the environment portfolio for just a few weeks.
“I genuinely haven’t reached a position on that and I’ll be expecting formal briefings from the department in coming days,” he said.
The government has faced significant pressure from both industry and environmental groups to either approve or reject the gas project.
If approved, it would allow gas production to continue for another four decades at Australia’s largest and oldest LNG project.
Mr Watt acknowledged the political sensitivity of the issue but said he would approach the decision independently and in accordance with the law.
“It will be a very significant decision. And I recognise it’s one (where) there are really strong views on all sides,” he said.
“Every decision I make will be in accordance with the law. I’ll be looking at the evidence. I’ll be looking at science, bringing an independent mind to each of these decisions.”
The portfolio was previously held by Tanya Plibersek, who was shifted out of the role following the election.
Mr Watt has already begun meeting with key stakeholders and said he would travel to Western Australia to speak with mining and environmental stakeholders.
“I’m going to be open to all views in this role,” he said.
