Kate Chaney Sets the Record Straight on WA Gas
MEDIA STATEMENT
26 February 2025
Independent Federal MP for Curtin, Kate Chaney, has rejected the false and alarmist claims circulating in the media about her stance on WA’s gas industry, describing them as “manufactured hysteria.”
“Certain outlets have attempted to link approval of the North West Shelf gas project with possible minority government negotiations.
“The idea that I would hold the country to ransom over a single gas project is absolute nonsense. It’s a desperate attempt to create fear and distract from the real conversation we need to have about our energy future,” Ms Chaney said.
“I want to be really clear - I won’t be using a single project, or industry or issue as a bargaining chip if I find myself being part of any minority government discussions.”
Gas and the Future of WA’s Economy
Ms. Chaney acknowledged that gas has played a significant role in WA’s economy and will continue to be important during the transition to cleaner energy but warned that WA must look to renewables in order to remain globally competitive in the industries of the future.
“Gas is a better option than coal, but it’s still a fossil fuel. Approving 50-year expansions makes it much harder for the rest of the economy to transition,” she said.
“Only 10% of WA’s gas is used by us here in WA - the rest is exported. Meanwhile, our key trading partners are setting ambitious emissions reduction targets. The question we should be asking is: where’s the ambition for WA’s future prosperity? We should be leading the way on green steel, critical minerals, and the industries that will actually sustain us long-term.”
A Balanced Approach to the North West Shelf
Ms. Chaney made it clear that she is not opposed to the North West Shelf project going ahead, provided that key conditions are met:
The Safeguard Mechanism must work effectively.
The full social and environmental cost of carbon must be factored in.
The offsets system must be more robust.
Environmental and Aboriginal heritage impacts must be properly addressed.
The economics must still stack up in a transitioning global market.
“This is not about politics – it’s about making good, long-term decisions. We owe it to future generations to ensure that any approvals are based on facts, science and a vision for WA’s economic future - not scare campaigns,” Ms. Chaney said.
A Sensible Transition
Ms. Chaney reaffirmed that she does not support shutting down the gas industry but believes WA needs to be more ambitious in planning for what comes next.
“We have a history of taking on big challenges with vision - just like in the 1960s when long-term planning unlocked WA’s gas industry. Now, we need the same level of ambition to ensure WA isn’t left behind in the global energy shift.”
“The choice isn’t between gas and nothing. The real question is whether we’re thinking ahead and setting WA up for future success - or just clinging to the past out of fear.”
[ENDS] Media contact:
Sarah Allchurch | P: 0412 346 412| E: sarah.allchurch@aph.gov.au