The validity of the cancellation of the PEP11 offshore gas and oil exploration licence off the Central Coast is being brought into question following revelations that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison appointed himself as a joint Resources Minister.
Nationals MP Keith Pitt told the ABC on Monday he “certainly made inquiries” when Mr Morrison told him about the joint appointment, but he ultimately accepted the move.
Morrison announced the cancellation of the exploration permit in early 2022, just a few months ahead of the Federal Election, after a three year campaign by community groups along the coast between Newcastle and Sydney.
Dr Natasha Dean of Save Our Coast when asked by CCN about the newest revelations said:
“The fact that the past Prime Minister went to such lengths [to cancell PEP11] is testament to the community’s opposition to the project”.
The Resources Minister at the time, Keith Pitt of the National Party, gave no indication at the time that he was going to bow to public pressure and cancel the licence.
The PEP11 licence expired in Febuary 2021, though was able to maintain its currency until a decision on the renewal was formally made.
Morrison’s announcements later formally cancelled the renewal.
On February 5, 2021 then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese made a commitment not to renew the PEP11 licence at Terrigal Beach, should he win the election.
When Central Coast Newspapers interviewed the former licence holder David Breeze Director of Asset Energy after the cancellation he was adamant that he would challenge the decision making process of the former government.
“We have applied to the Federal Court to set aside refusal of our application to renew and we have strong reasons to do so,” Breeze told Coast Community News.
In June this year Asset Energy (a subsidiary of BPH Energy) formally lodged an application for a review of the decision to refuse an extension of the PEP-11 permit with the Federal Court.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly ordered an investigation into the former PM’s irregular ministerial appointments of himself.
Ministerial appointments have been made through the Governor General on the advice of the government of the day, a practice established at Federation in 1901.
Dr Natasha Dean founder of the campaign group Save Our Coast told CCN that she expected the cancellation of the controversial project to stay in place.
“We are very pleased that the incoming government has stated their strong opposition to the project, they can see it’s a flawed plan that is dangerous for the community, the environment and the livelihoods and way of life on the coast.”
Member for Dobell on the Central Coast Emma McBride said in a statement to Central Coast Newspapers on Tuesday; “My position on PEP-11 is well-known and has not changed. We made our position very clear well before the last election.
“Given this matter is currently subject to legal proceedings, it would be
inappropriate to comment further” going to say “This is a separate issue to revelations about the former Prime Minister’ssecret portfolios.”
David Abrahams
Related articles
It’s not over … BPH Energy appeals refusal of PEP 11 renewal in Federal Court
Barilaro recommends PEP11 not be renewed
No PEP11 drilling under this Government – Wicks
Candidates not convinced by PM’s PEP11 announcement
Nationals’ Resources Minister to decide Central Coast’s gas future
I think it’s time to approve Pep11 and loose the politics behind it, it’s a project that is for the benefit of all Australians for a transitional fuel to renewables and it’s Carbon Sequential possibilities and extraordinary, it’s time for reality tome come to the party with Pep11 and 2022 seems it’s time.