The Greens have slammed Labor’s latest approval of gas projects saying voters now see Labor as climate charlatans.
Labor’s Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has granted two production licences to Kerry Stokes’ Beach Energy over the Artisan and La Bella oil and gas fields just south of the 12 Apostles in Victoria.
Despite the warnings of the International Energy Agency that there should be no new coal, oil and gas projects to stay within safe climate levels, yet Labor has now approved 28 coal and gas projects since coming to office.
As stated by Greens Leader Adam Bandt:
“Labor are climate charlatans, adopting the ‘drill baby drill’ policies of Donald Trump. From the Browse project on Scott Reef, the Beetaloo carbon bomb in NT and now drilling off the Victorian coast, our environment and climate is under threat from Labor.
“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than Scott Morrison, and Labor keeps backing new coal and gas projects. Labor has lost all climate credibility.
“It’s 2024, the climate crisis is already smashing Australia and even worse is to come for our children, but Labor has approved 28 new coal and gas projects. Labor approving 28 coal and gas projects is intergenerational climate crime.
“You can’t put the fire out while you’re pouring petrol on it, and Labor approving new coal and gas is making the climate crisis worse.
“Gas is as dirty as coal, and scientists have clearly said there can be no new coal and gas projects if we are to have any chance at a safer climate.”
As stated by Greens portfolio holder for Resources, Trade and Tourism, First Nations, and Northern Australia, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:
“This decision is not about gas shortages. It’s about profits and keeping the gas cartel happy. If we wanted to drive down gas costs and look after Australians, we would address the huge profits made and the export of gas abroad at the cost of Australians struggling in a cost of living crisis.
“Minister King’s approval is reckless and continues to threaten our climate goals. By approving these offshore fields, she continues to pander to the gas cartel and is locking us into decades of fossil fuel reliance, at a time when Labor claims to want to invest in renewables for a sustainable future.
“The environmental risks of offshore drilling are well known, from oil spills to the extinction of fragile marine ecosystems and then there is the destruction of intangible heritage-risks that Madeleine King seems all too willing to ignore for her gas buddies and short-term corporate profits.
“First Nations communities and environmental advocates are being ignored in these decisions. Our lands, waters and ecosystems are being sacrificed for the benefit of big corporations, and once again, the government fails to listen to those most affected.
“Instead of expanding fossil fuel projects, Madeleine King should be investing in clean energy solutions that protect our country and respect the rights of First Nations people.
