Dutton Has His Foot on the Gas for Approving North West Shelf in 30 Days

Australia’s Opposition Leader has pledged timely support for a major energy expansion, but the prime minister says it is just a ’thought bubble.’

Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton reacts during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 4, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to approve a gas plant extension, set to operate until 2070, within 30 days if elected in this year’s federal election.

At the heart of the election promise is Woodside’s North West Shelf in Western Australia (WA)—one of the largest and most significant natural gas projects in Australia, drawing from the state’s rich offshore reserves.