Independent senator, David Pocock, says Labor "can't be serious about climate action" if it's approving more offshore oil and gas exploration, calling it a "kick in the guts" and against its climate goals.
Yesterday, the Albanese government announced it will open up more than 46,000 square kilometres of Commonwealth waters to exploration across 10 ocean sites, in its first annual release of offshore petroleum exploration permits.
The locations are off the coasts of the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria, and the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, including areas across the Bonaparte, Browse, Carnarvon, and Gippsland basins.
Resources Minister, Madeleine King, said it would play an "important role in securing future energy supplies".
"The annual release of areas for offshore petroleum exploration supports ongoing investment in the nation's petroleum sector, which is vital for the economy and meeting the energy needs of Australians," she said.
"At the same time as we strive to reduce emissions, it must be emphasised that continued exploration for oil and gas in Commonwealth waters is central to alleviating future domestic gas shortfalls."
'You can't be serious'
The decision has been criticised by the independent crossbenchers who have campaigned for stronger climate change action.
Independent Zoe Daniel said the move was at odds with Labor's strengthened emissions reduction target of 43 per cent.
"This requires an explanation from the government as to how this does not run counter to the climate target that was passed through the house in the last session," she tweeted last night.
"This is no time for business as usual on fossil fuels nor lip service on climate."
New ACT senator David Pocock told the ABC the announcement "doesn't make sense".
"You can't be serious about climate action and talking up how you're legislating [reducing carbon emissions by] 43 per cent by 2030, and at the same time opening up 46,000 square kilometres for offshore oil and gas exploration," he said.
"We can't keep going down this path – it's a kick in the guts for the millions of Australians who are living with the impacts of climate change already, that have had their homes flooded four times in a year.
"We can't keep going down this road."
Senator Pocock said Australia had the most to lose from a lack of climate action and "probably stands to gain the most from bold, ambitious action" on limiting fossil fuel extraction.
His views were shared by Kirsty Howey from the Environment Centre NT, who called the announcement a "huge slap in the face for the millions of people across Australia ... who thought they were voting for climate action when they voted Labor in".
"The bottom line is that this announcement today will ensure there will be new gas fields open up potentially in the future," she said.
"[It's] directly inconsistent with cutting emissions to levels that are safe and sustainable in the future."
Ms Howey also said the move contradicted Labor's climate targets of 43 per cent by 2030, saying "we're all surprised by where Labor is heading".
Ms King said gas will "play a key role as a transition fuel, as Australia works to reach net zero emissions by 2050".
“Australia’s energy sector also continues to support international energy security, particularly during the global turbulence caused largely by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” she said.
Mining industry welcomes green light on exploration
The government yesterday also granted new "greenhouse gas storage permits" to resources companies.
The permits will allow Woodside Energy and Inpex to push ahead with offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
Both announcements were welcomed by mining companies attending a resources conference in Darwin yesterday, including Samantha McCulloch from the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association.
“These announcements are important to ensure our industry can continue to reduce emissions while ensuring future energy security," she said in a statement.
"More exploration means more supply – which means continued energy security for Australian homes and businesses."
“These locations are considered to hold opportunities for industry to identify offshore CO2 storage sites and help the WA and the NT decarbonise and lower emissions."
