Key facts
- Minister King stated her understanding was that emissions from the Beetaloo basin are accounted for and offset.
- The Northern Territory government dropped the requirement for full emissions offsetting after industry objections.
- The federal Safeguard Mechanism applies to facilities emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, but only covers direct facility emissions.
- Research indicates that the Safeguard Mechanism would not offset the majority of Beetaloo basin's lifecycle emissions.
- Santos estimates full development of the Beetaloo basin could lead to emissions 60 times Australia's annual total.
Resources Minister Madeleine King stated in a speech that all greenhouse gas emissions from the development of the Beetaloo gas basin in the Northern Territory would be offset. Speaking at the National Press Club, King defended the project, citing a 2018 scientific study, the Pepper inquiry, which made 135 recommendations. She indicated that the inquiry's recommendations, including offsetting emissions, were implemented. However, the Northern Territory government does not mandate full offsetting of lifecycle emissions, a position maintained by the current government after the gas industry objected. The federal Safeguard Mechanism applies to facilities exceeding 100,000 tonnes of CO2 annually but only covers direct facility emissions, not the full lifecycle as recommended by the inquiry. Research by Naru Research suggests that approximately 95% of expected emissions from four Beetaloo gas projects this decade would not require offsetting under current policies. Environmental groups have criticized the government's stance, with the Wilderness Society stating it represents a significant failure in climate policy. Environment Centre NT called on the minister to correct the public record, citing an estimate that full development could lead to emissions 60 times Australia's annual total.