Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

North West Shelf Project

Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson moved a motion for the Senate to take note of the Minister for the Environment and Water's answer regarding the Woodside North West Shelf Project Extension. The senator argued that the government approved the project immediately upon taking office, despite severe concurrent climate impacts including mass coral bleaching and toxic algal blooms. He questioned the rationale for prioritising fossil fuel expansion over environmental protection and suggested undue influence from energy companies. The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

Whish-Wilson argued that the government approved the Woodside North West Shelf Project Extension within 16 days of forming, making it the largest fossil fuel project in Australian history. Whish-Wilson contended that this decision occurred simultaneously with severe climate events, including marine heatwaves causing mass coral bleaching on the west coast and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as toxic algal blooms on the south coast. The senator questioned why the government prioritised the interests of multinational corporations like Woodside over environmental protection and future generations. Whish-Wilson asserted that the approval demonstrated a disregard for the ongoing climate breakdown and the damage to World Heritage areas such as Ningaloo.