CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook speaks to the media at Parliament House on November 05, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. Australia's Parliament convened for sittings as a number of pressing issues come to the fore, from inflation and cost of living domestically to Australia's relationship with its allies in the region and beyond internationally. (Photo by Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images)
The Labor Party has made a significant move to extend the fracking ban across all of Western Australia (WA), sending a clear message to the Cook Government. During a State conference held in Fremantle on March 16, 2024, party members voted to include a new clause in their conservation, environment, and climate change platform, advocating for a complete ban on fracking throughout the state.
Currently, fracking is prohibited in approximately 98 percent of WA, with allowances still in place in certain areas of the Kimberley and the Mid West. The proposal to extend the ban reflects growing concerns among party members about the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing. Although the clause received majority support, it is important to note that any modifications to the existing fracking laws would require approval from the WA Parliament.
Premier Roger Cook has maintained a firm stance on the Government’s approach to fracking, asserting that current policies are both balanced and responsible. His administration has faced mounting pressure from various environmental groups and party members who argue that fracking poses risks to the state’s unique ecosystems.
Environs Kimberley Executive Director Martin Pritchard emphasized the need for the Cook Government to heed the voices of its constituents. “The majority of West Australians don’t want to see the Kimberley trashed so polluting, dangerous fracking can proceed,” he stated. Pritchard highlighted the importance of prioritizing environmental protection over industrial activities, stressing that fracking could lead to disastrous consequences for the region’s communities, rivers, aquifers, and biodiversity.
In contrast, the Australian Energy Producers WA Director Richard Ellis argued against a blanket ban on hydraulic fracturing, stating that it contradicts scientific findings and could jeopardize the state’s long-term energy security. “More than a dozen independent inquiries in Australia, including the 2018 Scientific Panel Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation in Western Australia, have confirmed that hydraulic fracturing is safe when properly regulated,” he explained.
The debate surrounding fracking in WA continues to highlight the tension between environmental sustainability and energy production. With the Labor Party’s recent resolution, the conversation is likely to gain further momentum as stakeholders on both sides prepare for the potential legislative changes ahead.
As pressure mounts on the Cook Government, it remains to be seen how the administration will navigate the complexities of environmental concerns and energy needs in the coming months. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for both the state’s economy and its natural landscapes.
