Social Justice & Action
NSW Unions condemn Minns’ Narrabri gas support
NSW Premier Chris Minns’ endorsement of the controversial Narrabri gas project has sparked fierce backlash from unions across the state, who accuse the government of disregarding First Nations rights and environmental concerns.
What is the Narrabri gas project?
The Narrabri gas project is a coal gas development project led by Santos, a South Australian oil and gas company. It proposes drilling up to 850 wells in the Pilliga region, near Narrabri, on land governed by a native title agreement with the Gomeroi People.
For over a decade, there has been significant opposition from Gomeroi traditional owners and environmental groups to the project.
Despite this, Premier Minns has doubled down on his support for the gas project, stating, “[t]he project is incredibly important to our state. Narrabri could provide half our gas needs in NSW.”
He argued that the project will stimulate economic development, boost jobs, and create opportunities for young people.
Unions back Gomeroi resistance to project
Unions across NSW have strongly rejected Minns’ endorsement for the project, citing climate change, public health risks, and direct impacts on the environment as key concerns.
Shaye Candish, General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association indicated the union’s support for the Gomeroi people’s position.
“Climate change is a critical health issue that has direct impacts upon nurses, midwives, and our communities,” Ms Candish said.
“Our union is deeply opposed to the approval of new fossil fuel ventures, and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Gomeroi people in their fight against the Narrabri Gas project.”
Dr Nicholas Spooner, President of ASMOF NSW – The Doctors Union, echoed the NSWNMA’s stance, adding “the Narribri project poses serious risks to the health of regional communities, from water and air pollution to strain on already stretched local hospitals.”
Union leaders have also condemned the project’s disregard for the wishes of the Gomeroi people, who have repeatedly opposed the development.
“The Gomeroi Traditional Owners have again and again voted to reject this unnecessary mining project as it puts the Pilliga’s water supplies and ecosystem at risk. [T]his is a staggering contempt for the First Nations people and the broader Narrabri community,” declared Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) National Assistant Secretary Thomas Mayo.
The cultural significance of the Pilliga Forest was also a key concern.
“No government can justify the environmental destruction and cultural vandalism of the Pilliga Forest for the sake of profit. Respecting the rights of the Gomeroi people means standing against this project and protecting Country for generations to come,” commented Carol Matthews, Secretary of the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch.
Unions NSW Assistant Secretary Vanessa Seagrove also discussed the political implications, accusing the governments of siding with corporate interests over Indigenous communities.
“Australian state and federal governments are closing ranks and lining up behind the billionaires, and completely disregarding the interests of First Nations people. These Premiers need to listen to Gomeroi Traditional Owners that have been the custodians of this land for centuries and know the devastating impacts that this project will have on the Pilliga and the Great Artesian Basin that sits underneath it,” said Ms Seagrove.
Since the Gomeroi Nation voted to reject the project at a historic meeting in 2022, a committee of unions was formed to campaign against the project, including the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.
The committee has always and will continue to strongly oppose the project and stand in solidarity with the Gomeroi people. Read more on our show of support in previous articles below: