In a letter from Western Australian Premier Roger Cook to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf (NWS) gas project is understood to express concern over the federal government’s delay in approving the extension of Woodside’s NWS project, a significant gas initiative off Western Australia’s coast.
Context from news reports indicates that Cook’s letter was sent in response to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s decision in February 2025 to defer a final decision on the project’s extension until May 30, 2025, citing the need to consider a Western Australian report on Indigenous rock art.
This delay caused tension between the state and federal Labor governments, especially as it came just weeks before their respective elections. WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby, publicly criticised the federal government’s inaction and emphasised the project’s importance for WA’s energy security and economic prosperity.
The Australian Financial Review reported that the deferral opened a rift between the Cook and Albanese governments, with Cook’s letter highlighting the urgency of a decision on the NWS extension. Additionally, the gas industry, represented by Australian Energy Producers CEO Samantha McCulloch, underscored the project’s critical role, which may align with the concerns Cook raised.
(20min delay)