Immediate Release

The Morrison government’s decision to amend the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) could result in millions of public money flowing to companies using offshore secrecy jurisdictions and one owned by a Russian oligarch according to anti-corruption coalition, Publish What You Pay Australia.

The Government’s Beetaloo Strategic Basin Plan states that the changes to the NAIF will provide opportunities to support gas companies in the Beetaloo Basin. The amendments also mean the federal government can by-pass state and territory governments and means less scrutiny of decisions.

Clancy Moore, National Director of Publish What You Pay Australia made the following statement:

“Our research conducted with the Tax Justice Network-Australia showed numerous companies in the Beetaloo using secrecy jurisdictions with murky ownership structures. This includes the involvement of a Russian Oligarch, Viktor Vekselberg who parts owns Falcon Oil and Gas.”

“This decision could result in the NAIF becoming ATM for companies using secrecy jurisdictions and offshore accounts that are used to avoid scrutiny and tax responsibilities”.

“Any company that might receive public subsidies must adhere to the highest levels of transparency and these companies are simply hiding in the shadows”

ENDS