CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS STAGE SIT-IN AT JOSH WILSON’S OFFICE OVER BURRUP HUB

BY ASAD KHAN

An alliance of climate campaigners staged a sit-in at the Fremantle office of federal Labor MP Josh Wilson today, demanding the Albanese Government reject Woodside Energy’s proposed extension of the North West Shelf project at the Burrup Hub.

Protesters from Disrupt Burrup Hub, Grandparents for Climate Action, and Voices for Climate entered the office about 10am, where they remained seated in the foyer. The group said they would not move until their concerns were addressed.

The action coincides with Environment Minister Murray Watt’s visit to Perth. Watt has inherited the 30-day deadline imposed by former minister Tanya Plibersek, which followed pressure from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for a fast-tracked decision. The Minister has indicated he will make a ruling before 31 May.

Fremantle local Emma, 26, was among the protesters inside Wilson’s office. A member of Disrupt Burrup Hub, she called on the MP and the government to oppose the expansion.

“We are here to say Josh Wilson’s government must block Woodside’s North West Shelf extension at the Burrup Hub,” she said.

“Woodside’s North West Shelf will emit billions of tonnes of pollution and drive up our cost of living. Labor has no more excuses.”

She said the federal election result — which saw a 16% swing against Wilson — was a warning from voters.

“The Liberals have been wiped out. The election result proved they [Labor] do not have to fear the wrath of the Kerry Stokes or Murdoch media,

“There is absolutely nothing standing in the way of Josh Wilson, new Environment Minister Murray Watt and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese from doing the right thing.”

Campaigners argue the Burrup Hub project could result in more than 6 billion tonnes of carbon emissions. They also raised concerns about environmental destruction and cultural heritage impacts, claiming the development would “rip off Australians”.

She warned that Wilson's seat was at risk if the project goes ahead.

“Josh Wilson almost lost his seat because of Woodside’s North West Shelf. The people of Fremantle won’t give him any more chances if this project is given approval,”

“Any tiny inch of climate credibility the Federal Labor Party had left will be destroyed if this project is approved in any shape or form — for any period of time.”