Leader of The Nationals WA, Shane Love MLA, has slammed the Albanese Government’s decision to delay approval of the North West Shelf Expansion, calling it a “gutless betrayal” of Western Australia’s economic future.
Mr Love also criticised the Cook Labor Government for its failure to advocate for the project or apply any meaningful pressure on Federal Environment Minister to act.
“This is an unacceptable and deliberate hindrance to development, economic prosperity, and job creation in Western Australia – all at the hands of the Federal Labor Government,” Mr Love said.
“The Albanese Government is bowing to pressure from the Greens in an attempt to shore up votes ahead of the next federal election, rather than backing a project that is vital to WA’s economy and energy security.”
Mr Love said any move to delay approval of the expansion until after the election is akin to rejecting it outright.
“A re-elected Albanese-Bandt Government will not approve this project, Labor is being held hostage by the Greens, and WA is paying the price,” he said.
“With no leadership coming from Canberra and zero advocacy from the Cook Labor Government, the only solution is clear: turf Labor out at the next federal election.”
Mr Love said Western Australians deserve to know the future of this vital project before they cast their vote.
“The livelihoods of workers, billions in revenue, and WA’s energy security are at stake.”
“Anthony Albanese has put his own political interests above the people of Western Australia. He would rather appease the Greens than approve a project that delivers long-term benefits to our state and our nation.”
