Former Gas Executive Given Power to Override Environmental Protections

The role will have the power to override existing legislation if the progression of gas projects is being hindered.

This picture taken on Aug. 28, 2023, shows a sign displayed at the entrance to the Darwin Port in the Northern Territory city of Darwin in Australia. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

A former gas company executive has been appointed to a new statutory role in the Northern Territory (NT) that could give him the power to override environmental protections.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro appointed former Inpex executive, Stuart Knowles, as interim Territory coordinator.