Actually, government action would be a good thing. Prices are...

Actually, government action would be a good thing. Prices are higher on the domestic market than they are overseas. We're only supplying the overseas market because we have contractual obligations. If the government steps in and prevents fulfilment of our contracts then force majeure may apply and we'd be off the hook for free! Might make it a bit tougher in future to negotiate contracts - sovereign risk and all that - but minimal impact against the benefits of being able to supply to the domestic market at better margins, plus better PR!

As for banning NSW, I find it somewhat alarming that you would want to punish a population and its government for exercising their sovereign right to make laws and regulations for their protection and benefit. The people and government of NSW have decided that their land is of more value to them if gas mining is prevented. They have every right to make that decision. In the long run they may have to pay more for their gas, but that's a trade-off they must be prepared to make.

Once the Federal Government gets its act together and limits exports there'll be plenty of gas to go around without highly contentious methods anyway.