Quotes attributable to various union leaders regarding Minister Watt's approval of the extension of the North West Shelf.
Paul Farrow, National Secretary, Australian Workers’ Union (AWU)
“Minister Watt’s announcement correctly prioritises and secures the future of well paid union jobs in WA and secures supply of a crucial transition fuel we need as more renewable energy sources like wind and solar come online.
“Today’s decision to maintain a stable, operational project employing well over a thousand hydrocarbons workers in well-paid jobs is a victory for common sense and allows our members to continue their important work for years to come.
“Although most of the gas produced by the NWS Project is sent overseas, the Project also provides a significant amount of gas domestically. Western Australians, from Broome to Bunbury, can now continue to rely upon this essential fuel into the future.
Brad Gandy, Secretary, Australian Workers’ Union WA Branch and Offshore Alliance spokesperson
“Thanks to the tireless campaigning of members of the Offshore Alliance – an organising alliance between the AWU and the MUA - most workers on this project are covered by union-negotiated industry leading enterprise agreements. Those jobs are now set to continue for many more years, securing the future of hundreds of our members and their families.
“What Minister Watt has done today ensures these union wages will continue to flow into communities in north-west WA for decades to come. The Alliance encouraged Minister Watt to approve the NWS life extension on behalf of our members and we are pleased that he has made the right decision. In doing so, Minister Watt appears to recognise the value of workers and their unions and we trust that our Federal Resources Minister takes note of this. All Federal Ministers should respect and acknowledge the value of workers within this important industry.
“To transition to a Net Zero future we need fuels for firming capacity as renewable energy sources are built and connected to the grid, and our members are very proud to be a crucial part of that transition.
Will Tracey, Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia WA Branch
“We welcome the decision by Minister Watt to extend the life of the NWS Project. Offshore Alliance members have worked hard to unionise their workplaces and they will now continue to enjoy their superior, union-negotiated terms and conditions of employment going forward.”
“We expect that Woodside will ensure that the work on this Project will be performed by suitably qualified Australian workers who are directly engaged by Woodside or by a reputable contractor that engages workers on industry standard pay and conditions.”