Contrary to what fossil fuel companies and lobby groups would have you believe, the landmark ruling against Santos in favour of the Munupi people isn’t connected to domestic gas supply.
Greens spokesperson for resources and Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:
“The Labor Albanese Government must respect and uphold the Federal court’s decision, by changing legislation and regulations to ensure First Nations people are appropriately consulted about resources projects on their Land and Sea Country.
“Santos has publicly stated that Barossa gas is for export markets such as Japan and Korea distributed via the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct in Darwin Harbour.
“I back Rod Sims’ call for Labor to cut high energy prices through the existing export trigger. Labor needs to stand up to their big donors and put the interests of Australians first.
“A recent poll found 71% of Australians support limiting gas exports. Santos and Woodside are fear mongering, putting their windfall profits ahead of protecting First Nations cultural heritage.
“80% of our gas is contracted to foreign entities and sold on the spot market. We have enough gas reserves in Australia to meet our domestic needs. We don’t need to be opening new gas fields, we need to invest in clean, green renewable energy infrastructure and storage solutions.
“If Australia wants to see itself as a global clean energy powerhouse, we must end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in renewable projects with First Nations people as equal partners.