David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Senator Carr. Can the minister guarantee that the $25 billion, 9.5 trillion cubic feet Ichthys gas project, which has been developed by Inpex, will proceed with its processing plant in Western Australia and not 800 kilometres away in Darwin?

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. My understanding is that no decision has been made on that matter as yet and due process will be followed in the making of such a decision.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. In line with the minister’s response, can the minister guarantee to the Senate today that this decision has definitely not been made and that the government is not sitting on the decision to protect Premier Carpenter and WA Labor from the electoral consequences of that Premier’s failure to encourage and secure this important project for Western Australia?

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As far as I am aware, no decision has been made.