Jose Ramos Horta Statement3 Dec 2022 16:18
Apologies if this has already been posted. Very strong language from Horta.
The chief executive of Australia’s Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) appears to have made a blunder with her comments that the company is open to revisiting a greenfield LNG export development in East Timor.
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Chief Executive Officer Made No Blunder.
Mrs Meg O’Neill stated well-known facts. First, it has long been known that it is technically feasable to bring a pipeline from Timor Sea to Timor-Leste. Second, Mrs O'Neil showed greater management wisdom than her predecessors by stating that the Timor-Leste option should be put on the table even if there are concerns about costs. These concerns can be discussed and resolved.
There's strong national consensus in TL that a pipeline from Greater Sunrise to TL is the best option from commercial perspective and for the long term sustainable development of TIMOR-LESTE. A solid national consensus prevails across all political spectrum and Timorese society that much greater advantages will be impact TL economic future with an onshore LNG facility. There is no deviation in Timor-Leste from this long standing view as there has not beeing any honest, credible, verifiable alternative option.
Main argument so far in support of the pipeline going to Darwin, 500 kms away, has been that there are already NLG infrastructures in place in NT. These were built at the extremely exorbitant Australian labor and tax costs to benefit Australia and its JV partners. Timor-Leste should not be made to pay for existing mammoth LNG facilities in Darwin owned by others.
The report that prominent Timorese leaders are having second thoughts on the development of GS is ill informed, a dishonest misinformation planted by Australian side. The difference between us and Australian leaders is that we have explored, studied, alternative options.
The Australian side, both Government and the JV, have simply brushed aside the weaker partner legitimate, well argued case. Based on what would we reconsider our preferred option? No better options have been presented. Experience with Bayu Undan and ConocoPhillips has been a very bitter one. Timorese workers participation was irrisory, token, insulting. Australian workers flying from Darwin to Dili on the way to Bayu Undan walked pass immigration and health controls as if TL was an Australian enclave.
We still believe that PM Albanese Government is serious about being different, committed to Timor-Leste long term prosperity and stability. Let's see it with strong support to the development of Greater Sunrise on Timor-Leste’s shore.
By the way...No Australian PM has visited Timor-Leste in many years. We are still waiting.
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