Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

As part of our government's policies, we look to unlock, as I said before, new gas supply that can help to drive down prices for all Australians, particularly those job-creating Australian businesses and industries that rely upon it. Under our reforms, the Beetaloo Basin is one of the first of our government's five strategic basin plans. These plans highlight the ways that the gas development in the basin can be accelerated, and we welcome the opportunity to work with the Northern Territory government on this. Unlocking the Beetaloo is an exciting economic opportunity for the Northern Territory. It is a world-class province with an estimated size bigger than any other known gas resource off the North West Shelf. Early drilling activity has confirmed the positive opportunities there, which could not only improve our gas security but potentially Australia's fuel security as well. The development of gas reserves in the Beetaloo has the potential to generate billions of dollars for the Territory economy and create over 6,000 jobs. This is a great opportunity for the Territory, and we are committed to delivering upon it. (Time expired)