AUSTRALIA’S export engine room is facing simultaneous industrial disputes, with strikes at Inpex’s Ichthys LNG project continuing after a Fair Work Commission ruling, and BHP workers at Port Hedland voting to walk off the job in what would be the first Pilbara strike in decades.
On 14 June, the Fair Work Commission rejected Inpex’s bid to suspend protected action at Ichthys LNG under section 424 of the Fair Work Act.
Deputy President Michael Easton ruled the company had not demonstrated a “real threat” to national supply, allowing stoppages to continue until at least 23 June.
The Offshore Alliance (AWU and MUA) has escalated to work‑to‑rule, overtime bans and selective stoppages since 8 June.
Reuters reports at least two condensate cargoes bound for Japan and South Korea have already been delayed. Inpex senior vice‑president Bill Townsend told The West Australian newspaper the company’s offer was “competitive and aligned with industry standards,” but confirmed urgent Fair Work orders had been sought.
Ichthys produces ~9.3 million tonnes of LNG annually — about 10% of Australia’s exports — making the dispute both an industrial relations flashpoint and a test of Australia’s energy diplomacy.
Meanwhile, union members at BHP’s Pilbara port operations have voted overwhelmingly to strike after six months of failed talks over a new employment agreement. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union confirmed 90% support for action, with the Electrical Trades Union also backing stoppages.
The strike is expected to hit Port Hedland’s port maintenance workforce, with unions required to give notice before action begins. ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage said BHP had engaged in “six months of stonewalling,” adding: “This company is not the corporate citizen it used to be.”
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive Will Goldsby warned the decision should “alarm the nation,” describing the Pilbara as “Australia’s economic engine room” and warning strike action would inflict “significant economic and reputation damage.”
Together, the disputes highlight the vulnerability of WA’s export infrastructure:
Port Hedland is the world’s largest bulk export port, handling iron ore cargoes for BHP and other producers. Any disruption to maintenance or operations risks slowing throughput at a hub that underpins Australia’s trade balance.
Ichthys LNG cargo delays add pressure to Australia’s reputation as a reliable energy supplier to Japan and South Korea.