The Albanese Government must immediately rule out granting an extension permit to fossil fuel project PEP-11 after the Morrison Government’s decision to stop the project looks set to be overturned by the Federal Court.
Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:
“Disregarding the way in which he went about it, which was typically shocking, stopping PEP-11 was potentially the only good thing Scott Morrison ever did during his time in office.
“This project is toxic. The community doesn’t accept it, the NSW Government doesn’t want it, and even Scott Morrison proved he’d go to extraordinary lengths to kill it.
“During last year’s election campaign Anthony Albanese publicly opposed PEP-11, but talk is cheap. Now his government has the power to stop it, he should put a proper end to this destructive project.
“When parliament was last in session I introduced the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill to the Senate. If passed, this legislation would set a precedent for permanently stopping destructive offshore oil and gas exploration in our oceans.
“If the Government remains serious about stopping PEP-11 it should bring on and vote for the Greens’ Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill, which would stop PEP-11 beyond any doubt, and prohibit any future petroleum exploration or production in the area for good.
“Approving this project would put our marine wildlife at unacceptable risk, and threaten the thousands of livelihoods along the NSW coastline that depend on healthy oceans.
“If the Albanese Government doesn’t rule out PEP-11 it can expect to feel the full wrath of a community that considered this battle already won.”