2025-10-10
The Labor Government and the offshore regulator, NOPSEMA, have refused to commit to preventing the Barossa Gas Project from pumping gas into the leaking storage tank at Darwin LNG.
The tank, owned by Santos, was revealed in August to have been leaking for nearly 20 years - a fact known to multiple government agencies. While the tank is currently empty, it remains approved for use by the Barossa Gas Project.
On 24 September, Santos announced it had commenced gas operations, with gas being stored offshore before flowing to Darwin LNG. However, neither the Department of Industry, Science and Resources nor NOPSEMA could confirm when this transfer is expected to occur.
Questioned at Senate Estimates today, NOPSEMA admitted it could have powers to investigate, but said doing so now would be “premature” because gas is not yet flowing into the tank.
When questioned, Assistant Minister Chisholm said only that a letter had been sent to Santos about the issue.
The leaking tank poses a serious health and environmental risk once filled with gas.
Lines attributable to Australian Greens spokesperson for resources:
“We’re talking about a tank that’s been leaking for nearly 20 years and the government still can’t decide who’s responsible to protect the community from this risk.
“Instead of taking action, they’re standing back while Santos prepares to fill it up again.
“When given the chance to show accountability, the government passed the buck to the Northern Territory EPA whose Chair has close links to Santos and has already said the tank won’t be required to be fixed.
“NOPSEMA has the power to investigate but says they will wait until the risk goes from potential to real, putting workers, the community, and the environment in danger before lifting a finger.
“A letter won’t patch a leaking tank. We need leadership, not lip service. The government must step up and show some accountability to the people of Darwin.