Sam McMahon (NT, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators McKenzie, Canavan, Davey and McDonald, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the importance of the Northern Territory onshore gas industry and in particular the development of the Beetaloo Basin, which has the potential to generate billions of dollars for the Northern Territory economy and create over 6,000 jobs for Territorians;

(b) acknowledges the Northern Territory's Economic Reconstruction Commission's first report, which notes that the 'Beetaloo sub-basin shows significant potential to provide gas and liquids for energy use and to underpin a petrochemical manufacturing industry in the territory – driving significant economic benefit';

(c) welcomes Territorians' resounding rejection of Territory Alliance's anti-gas policies, which would have further devastated the Northern Territory's economy, undermined the creation of new jobs for all Territorians and prevented the Northern Territory from realising its potential to build a petrochemical manufacturing industry;

(d) congratulates the Country Liberal Party (CLP), led by Lia Finocchiaro, for their clear and positive economic and resources policies, which assisted the CLP to regain significant public support; and

(e) calls on the re-elected Northern Territory Labor Government to urgently work with the Federal Government and industry to ensure that the potential benefits of developing the Beetaloo Basin are fully realised.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

[by video link] I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today's motion is brought to us on behalf of gas giants Santos and Origin, who have collectively donated far more to the Liberals, the Nationals and Labor than they have ever paid in tax. If we allow fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, not only would it be some of the most expensive gas in a country full of expensive gas but Australia may as well tear up the Paris climate agreement. This project would increase Australia's pollution by a whopping six per cent—even more if we measured actual leakages of toxic methane from gas fields in this country. Fracked gas is as dirty as coal. While COVID-19 has driven emissions down to their lowest level in 22 years, gas pollution has risen to its highest-ever level. Traditional owners, farmers, conservation groups and the Greens oppose these fracking plans in the strongest possible terms— (Time expired)

Question agreed to.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

May I have the Greens' objection noted?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So noted.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could we record our opposition also?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Labor Party would like the opposition's opposition to the motion recorded.