From the Northern Territory to Western Australia: fracking, public policy and social licence
Margie TannockSquire Patton Boggs, Level 21, 300 Murray Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia. Email: margie.tannock@squirepb.com
The APPEA Journal 59(2) 731-733 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ18265
Accepted: 19 March 2019 Published: 17 June 2019
Abstract
There are significant differences in the experiences of the Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA), as a consequence of the processes, outcomes and recommendations, and ultimately political climate surrounding the development of unconventional gas. In the period 2016–18 both the NT and WA underwent independent inquiries into the environmental impacts of onshore hydraulic fracture stimulation. Each process included review of scientific research papers, numerous community and stakeholder meetings around the State and Territory and extensive public seminars. Final reports were released by both inquiries in 2018. However, the recommendations arising from each report on the findings of the inquiries were materially different, as were the political responses and implementation of outcomes. This paper analyses the differences in the respective reports, and comments on the implementation and future of development in the respective jurisdictions.
Keywords: community consultation, corporate social responsibility, cumulative impact, hydraulic fracture stimulation, Indigenous engagement, moratorium, onshore gas, political stakeholders.
Margie Tannock is a Partner at Squire Patton Boggs AU (Perth). Margie’s practice focuses on advising clients from all sectors on statutory approvals, corporate governance, compliance and public law. She works closely with clients to resolve regulatory risk across all aspects in corporate decision making, especially relating to major projects, environmental, planning and land access authorisations. With long-term experience in public law, Margie advises many statutory authorities, including universities, private colleges, redevelopment authorities, local governments and state government departments. Margie served as a foundation member on the Advisory Board of the Centre for the Built Environment and Health, a research institute within the University of Western Australia (UWA). Margie is formerly the chair of the Governance Committee for the West Australian Cricket Association and is a Board Member of St. Catherine’s College (UWA) and a Member of the Property Council (WA)’s Residential Property Committee. Margie has an LLB (1989) and JD (1988) from UWA and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, Federal Court of Australia and High Court of Australia in 1990. |
References
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