Australian court quashes former prime minister's gas exploration ban

Bounty Oil and Gas NL

14/02/2023 04:19

SYDNEY, Feb 14 (Reuters) - An Australian court on
Tuesday overturned a controversial decision by the previous
prime minister to block a gas exploration project off the
country's east coast, opening the door for the project to be
reconsidered.
    The Federal Court quashed former Prime Minister Scott
Morrison's move to block Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 in the
Sydney Basin off the coast of New South Wales state, finding his
decision may not have been impartial. 
    Tuesday's ruling allows the permit to be considered by the
Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority,
reflecting an agreement reached by the project's owners and the
Australian government to end the court fight earlier in
February.
    The project is 85% owned by Asset Energy, which is a
subsidiary of BPH Energy  BPH.AX , with the remainder owned by
Bounty Oil & Gas  BUY.AX .
    Asset Energy last year contested Morrison's decision to
refuse the permit on the basis he had done so in his capacity as
Resources Minister, a ministerial appointment made in secret. 
    An independent inquiry last November found Morrison's
decision to secretly appoint himself to five ministries,
including resources, during the pandemic undermined trust in
government.
 (Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Sonali Paul)
 ((lewis.jackson@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging:
@lewjackk))