Tiwi people have secured a historic victory and defeated Santos once again. The Court's decision means that Santos' plans to drilll the offshore Barossa gas field are now invalid because they failed to consult Tiwi people. Tiwi people have secured a vindication from the Federal Court that First Nations people have a right to be heard about the projects that take place on their Country, including Sea Country.
Santos, to their shame, fought Traditional Owners tooth and nail the whole way, arguing that Tiwi people weren’t relevant, and that it was too onerous to be required to talk to them. Now, their drilling plan has been invalidated by the Federal Court.
We have no doubt that Santos and other gas companies are behind the scenes lobbying for changes to the regulations. We can’t let this happen—we MUST let Labor know to protect the judgement.
Sign opposite to call on the Prime Minister to protect the right of Traditional Owners to be consulted about offshore oil and gas projects which impact them.
Dear Prime Minister,
Earlier this year Dennis Tipaklippa, a Tiwi Island Elder and Senior Lawman for the Munupi Clan took Santos to the Federal Court because he and his Clan weren't consulted about Santos' plans to drill for gas in their Sea Country - as required by the law.
Today the full Federal Court threw out a challenge from Santos that tried to overturn that decision, protecting the right of Traditional Owners to be consulted about projects which impact them, their culture and their Sea Country.
Dennis and his Clan shouldn't have had to go to court just to have their voice heard - but they did, and now other Traditional Owners will be able to have their voice heard about big offshore oil and gas projects.
But we know that this right can be taken away by a simple change to the law, and that the gas industry will be pressuring for regressive regulatory change.
Please protect the right of Traditional Owners to be consulted about offshore oil and gas projects which impact them.
Please rule out any regulatory or legislative changes which would take this right away - don't let giant oil and gas companies ignore Traditional Owners in Australia.
I hope to hear from you soon.