Anthony Albanese says gas still needed for WA’s energy transition as North West Shelf awaits final call

Anthony Albanese has been accused of trying to distance himself from Murray Watt’s call to extend the North West Shelf gas project to 2070 after stressing “it’s not final” and just an “interim decision”.

He made the remarks fresh off a whirlwind trip west where, in more defiant language, he said gas had an “important role” in Australia’s renewables transition which can’t be reached “through just goodwill” or “good thoughts”.

Back on the east coast on Friday, the Prime Minister reiterated that it was “not a final decision” until gas giant Woodside agreed to strict conditions of the provisional decision.

The gas giant has 10 business days to consider the conditions around Aboriginal rock art and air quality before they can respond to Senator Watt.

“It’s an interim decision, by the way, so it’s not a final decision,” Mr Albanese told ABC Melbourne radio.

“The Minister had to respond under the Act. Under the law, what he has done is make an interim decision that the company now gets a chance, the participants get a chance, to respond to.

“So, it’s not final, but there are a range of conditions to be imposed.

“There are a range of conditions to be imposed, conditions to make sure that the two issues that are dealt with there, particularly the rock art.”

WA’s most senior Liberal Michaelia Cash on Friday called out the PM for casting doubt on the decision.

“It appears Mr Albanese is now trying to distance himself from his own Government’s approval of the North West Shelf gas extension,” she posted to X, formerly Twitter.

“This project is vital to secure the future energy needs and economic success of Western Australia and should be supported.”

While Woodside boss Meg O’Neil said she’d like a quick resolution after a lengthy six year-assessment process, the gas giant has to wait to respond until after the mandatory minimum period.

Senator Watt’s decision has copped criticism from environmental and cultural heritage groups, who are concerned about the ongoing impacts.

Green groups have launched an open letter to the PM to also open a new 10 day consultation period, but for the public and any advocate groups to also comment on the linked conditions.

Among environmental groups to sign the letter, is former WA Labor premier’s Dr Carmen Lawrence and Peter Dowding, as well as well-respected Professor Fiona Stanley.

“Eighty groups have signed a letter calling on Minister Watt to release the conditions of his decision and hold a public consultation period,” Conservation Council of WA executive director Matt Roberts said.

But the PM backed gas as a transitional tool to reach Labor’s renewables future for Australia, saying the North West Shelf would have to abide by emission safeguard mechanisms introduced in their first term.