Resources minister faces calls to correct her claim all Beetaloo emissions will be offset
News Source
β’Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:00:16 GMT
π° What Happened
Resources minister Madeleine King is facing calls to correct a claim she made in a major speech. She told the National Press Club that emissions from the Beetaloo gas basin in the Northern Territory are accounted for and offset. Experts say that is not accurate. Research by Naru Research found about 95% of the emissions expected from four Beetaloo gas projects this decade would not have to be offset. King also said she would have to check her understanding of the rules. First gas flowed from the basin last month.
π The Backstory
The Beetaloo basin sits south of Darwin and holds large gas reserves. In 2018 a landmark review, the Pepper inquiry, examined whether fracking should be allowed. It recommended that all emissions from any NT gas development, across their full life, be completely offset. The NT government later dropped that requirement after the gas industry objected. A federal rule, the safeguard mechanism, does apply, but only to pollution released directly by a facility, not the full lifecycle emissions the inquiry wanted covered.
π― Why It Matters
Gas projects can lock in decades of climate pollution. If the emissions are not truly offset, developing the basin could undercut Australia's efforts to cut its carbon output. The dispute also raises questions about whether a minister's public claims are accurate. It also tests whether official statements about climate policy can be trusted.
Resources minister Madeleine King is facing calls to correct a claim she made in a major speech. She told the National Press Club that emissions from the Beetaloo gas basin in the Northern Territory are accounted for and offset. Experts say that is not accurate. Research by Naru Research found about 95% of the emissions expected from four Beetaloo gas projects this decade would not have to be offset. King also said she would have to check her understanding of the rules. First gas flowed from the basin last month.
The Beetaloo basin sits south of Darwin and holds large gas reserves. In 2018 a landmark review, the Pepper inquiry, examined whether fracking should be allowed. It recommended that all emissions from any NT gas development, across their full life, be completely offset. The NT government later dropped that requirement after the gas industry objected. A federal rule, the safeguard mechanism, does apply, but only to pollution released directly by a facility, not the full lifecycle emissions the inquiry wanted covered.
Gas projects can lock in decades of climate pollution. If the emissions are not truly offset, developing the basin could undercut Australia's efforts to cut its carbon output. The dispute also raises questions about whether a minister's public claims are accurate. It also tests whether official statements about climate policy can be trusted.