IMO, the time frame that ED is jockeing for, suggests an election March.
I would suggest that the decision will be put on ice until after the election. Labor will use caretaker mode as the reason for not making a decision. They may claim that PEP-11 is of national importance and hence the decision needs to be the party or coaltions that have the mandate.
Labor wont care if this stance is challenged in court - all the better as this will simply provide the opportunity to delay.
There is some good news.
If we get to this stage, we know one thing for sure. Approval will be given soon after the election is decided. No matter who wins, approval will be given.
THe new party now has three to four years to manage their decision.
If PEP-11 finds commercial quantities of gas, the responsible government will claim saviour status. WE have solved the east coast energy crisis. We are geniuses.
If PEP-11 is a dud, then enough time will pass so that all is forgotten before the next election, some time in2028-29.
Duttons cancelling of the wind farms is potentially a winner for claiming back the TEAL seats.
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