Dutton Has His Foot on the Gas for Approving North West Shelf in 30 Days

Australia’s Opposition Leader has pledged timely support for a major energy expansion, but the prime minister says it is just a ’thought bubble.’

Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton reacts during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 4, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to approve a gas plant extension, set to operate until 2070, within 30 days if elected in this year’s federal election.

At the heart of the election promise is Woodside’s North West Shelf in Western Australia (WA)—one of the largest and most significant natural gas projects in Australia, drawing from the state’s rich offshore reserves.

Uncertainty has beleaguered the intended expansion of the facility, which is owned by Woodside Petroleum and other key players including BHP and Shell.

However, Dutton said his government would move quickly to break the deadlock.

“We’ve outlined three key points on how we would work with industry, particularly when it comes to the North West Shelf and Woodside with their project there to extend the life of that,” Dutton said.

“Of course, there is a process to go through, but a Dutton Government, once elected, would within 30 days expect the department to provide to the minister, the information necessary to enable us to make a decision.

He accused infrastructure minister Catherine King of stalling approvals, hurting investment confidence.

“It is no good for (minister Catherine King) to sit on her hands as she has—not just with this project—but so many others, delaying decisions and causing investor uncertainty.”

Dutton said the project was about ensuring employment for many Australians.

“I’m seeking a mandate from the Australian people, and in particular from the people of Western Australia, to make sure we can keep mining going and we can keep investments and approval processes flowing,” he said.

“Because without it, there are no jobs.”

Albanese Dismisses Idea

However, the plans for the project have been dismissed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “another thought bubble.”

“It lasts about as long as a bit of a soap bubble that comes up from a bubble bath,” he said.

“It just disappears into the ether.

“They just come up with these things and they walk away from them, whether it’s referendums, whether it be zonal taxation rates, whether it be the other statements that Peter Dutton makes.”

Albanese also suggested environmental factors would be key in decision-making, revealing that the project had only come across the government’s desk in recent weeks.

Industry and Political Divide

The project has faced strong opposition from the Greens, who have criticised its long-term impact on the environment.

The company behind the project, however, welcomed the Opposition’s promise.

“Timely approval of the North West Shelf Extension is critical to ensure this nationally significant asset continues to provide a reliable energy supply to Western Australian businesses and homes,” a Woodside spokesperson said.