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The WA government has removed an expert from a committee considering appeals to a controversial gas expansion after concerns were raised about his former employment.
Last month biosecurity expert Simon McKirdy was appointed as co-chair of the committee considering appeals to the North West Shelf extension project, which would see the Karratha Gas Plant continue operation until 2070.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended ministerial approval for the project in 2022 while insisting on measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
That decision sparked hundreds of appeals, many from environmental groups, concerned about the impact on Australia's climate ambitions.
An independent appeals committee was appointed to assess the appeals and the EPA's response before making a fresh recommendation to the climate action minister.
But Professor McKirdy's appointment to that committee prompted the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Greenpeace to write to Environment Minister Reece Whitby outlining their concerns.
Those included Professor McKirdy's work as a biosecurity and risk manager at Chevron — a one-sixth foundation owner in the North West Shelf project — between 2013 and 2016, according to his LinkedIn page.
More recently, he served as director of the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University between late 2017 and early 2023, which was launched by Chevron in 2018 to support sustainability and environmental protection through research.
After seeking advice from the State Solicitor's Office (SSO), Mr Whitby has now removed Professor McKirdy from the committee — leaving former Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions boss Mark Webb as its only member.
"Though his connections to Chevron are indirect and have arisen due to the nature of his research, this proposal is of significant public concern, and I have made my decision for the sake of maintaining public confidence in the appeal," Mr Whitby said in a statement.
"Professor McKirdy had provided his resume prior to his appointment and was open and honest with both the appeals convenor and the SSO in further discussions about this matter.
"Throughout his career, Professor McKirdy has earned respect for his research, professionalism, and leadership, and I acknowledge he had no intention with this appeal other than to act in a way that is fair and impartial.
"I want to thank him for his cooperation during this process."
Decision protects confidence
Both the ACF and Greenpeace welcomed the minister's decision.
"For the public to have confidence in the appeals process, people need to be sure the members of the appeals body do not have connections to the fossil fuel industry and especially not to the project proponent," ACF lead exports campaigner Elizabeth Sullivan said.
"The controversial NW Shelf gas project extension, in which Chevron is a partner, will result in more than 4 billion tonnes of climate emissions over its proposed 50-year lifetime.
"These emissions will directly contribute to global heating and an increase in heatwaves, bushfires and water shortages in Western Australia.
"Ideally, the appeals body would include someone with expertise in greenhouse gas measurement."
Greenpeace WA campaigner Geoff Bice agreed.
"The minister should now appoint independent experts with the relevant technical expertise to accurately assess the risks from the greenhouse gas emissions of this potentially environmentally devastating project," he said.
He also called on federal minister Tanya Plibersek "to conduct her own independent assessment of the project's risks and impacts".
The Conservation Council of WA, one of the groups to lodge an appeal, said there was significant public interest in the outcome of the process because of the long-term impacts.
"It is critical that the massive carbon emissions as well as the cultural and environmental impacts are fully considered," executive director Jess Beckerling said.
"This means that the North West Shelf project must be rejected."
Professor McKirdy declined to comment.
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