this shouldn't hurt the cooper basins chances from a political /...

this shouldn't hurt the cooper basins chances from a political / govt approvals stand-point.



Energy chief gets government role
THE appointment of a major Liberal donor to a government advisory role is "not a good look", the Australian Greens say.
SOUTH Australian company Beach Energy has publicly declared $231,300 in donations to the Liberal Party since 2010, according to electoral commission records.
Of the donations, $110,000 was given in July and August, just before the coalition's September 2013 election win.

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane on Thursday announced the appointment of Reg Nelson, Beach Energy's managing director, as chairman of the new Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Growth Centre.

The centre is one of five new initiatives to link business and researchers, which the government is funding to the tune of $188.5 million.

Mr Nelson will retire from Beach Energy in July to become a special adviser to the company.

He has more than 45 years experience in the petroleum and minerals industries and is an honorary life member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Greens senator Lee Rhiannon, who's campaigning for political donation reform, says it's "not a good look".

"It makes people deeply cynical about the democratic process," she told AAP.

Such matters highlighted the need for far-reaching reform of electoral donations, she said.

"While we don't have that reform, is it appropriate to appoint someone to such a significant position within a short time of donating to the political party that gives them that job?" Senator Rhiannon said.

Mr Macfarlane's spokeswoman said the five chairs were selected on the basis of their extensive knowledge and experience within their respective industries.

They were selected on advice from the growth centre's advisory committee, she said.

The four advisory committee members are: WorleyParsons chairman John Grill, Telstra chairwoman Catherine Livingstone, businesswoman Carolyn Hewson and Dow chairman Andrew Liveris.

Beach Energy has also in the past donated funds to the Labor Party in South Australia.

Comment has been sought from Beach Energy.