The WA environment minister says he is seeking legal advice over concerns an expert appointed to consider appeals against a controversial gas expansion used to work for one of the companies involved in the project.

Biosecurity expert Professor Simon McKirdy is the co-chair of an appeals committee set up to consider appeals against the 2022 Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) report that recommended it was acceptable to extend the life of the Karratha Gas Plant, part of the massive North West Shelf group of projects operated by Woodside as part of a joint venture with five other companies.

One of those companies is Chevron, which is a one-sixth foundation owner in the North West Shelf project.

It's also where Professor McKirdy worked as a biosecurity science and risk manager between 2013 and 2016, according to his LinkedIn page.

More recently, he's served as director of the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, which was launched by Chevron in 2018 to support sustainability and environmental protection through research.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said he sought the advice about the possible conflict after environmental groups raised the issue with him.

Opposition to gas approval

The contentious Karratha gas expansion was given the green light after the EPA recommended the minister approve extending the life of the Karratha Gas Plant to 2070, while insisting on measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. 

The recommendation prompted hundreds of appeals from environmental groups, who were concerned the 50-year extension would blow Australia's carbon budget on the path to net zero.

In response, an independent Appeals Committee was appointed to assess the appeals and the EPA response, before making a fresh recommendation to the climate action minister.

Concern over past employment

In April, some of the appellants were notified that the minister had appointed Professor McKirdy and former Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions boss Mark Webb as joint co-chairs of the Appeals Committee.

Earlier this month the Australian Conservation Foundation and Greenpeace wrote to the minister outlining their concerns about Professor McKirdy's past employment.

Professor McKirdy has extensive experience in biosecurity and is currently Murdoch's deputy vice-chancellor of global engagement, while also working as a researcher at the Harry Butler Institute.

His LinkedIn page shows he worked as a biosecurity science and risk manager for Chevron between 2013 and 2016 and sat on the Biosecurity Council of Western Australia between 2014 and 2023.

It then records his appointment as director of the Harry Butler Institute between late-2017 and early-2023, and a stint as pro vice-chancellor of the institute between 2019 and 2023.

Chevron’s current involvement with the Institute is unclear, although the university’s 2021 annual report described the company as a “key supporter of the Institute”.

Professor McKirdy directed requests for comment to the minister or the Office of the Appeals Convenor.

Government taking advice: Whitby

Mr Whitby told the ABC he had received the letter.

"In a place like Western Australia where you have people with experience in environmental areas, there is always going to be some issue where someone may have worked at a place previously," he said.

"That does not necessarily exclude you from being involved in these processes.

"But we will take some careful advice from state solicitors, and we will consider that issue."

Mr Whitby said he had not been aware Mr McKirdy had previously been employed by Chevron before receiving the letter.

"But it does not surprise me because I think he also has experience with other organisations and in the scientific and environmental field," he said.

"Highly qualified people often work at a number of places.

"But we will take the best advice on that. We want to ensure that the process is appropriate."

Elizabeth Sullivan from the Australian Conservation Foundation said the groups were still waiting on a response from the minister.

"A record 776 appeals have been lodged, indicating the great public interest in ensuring that the NWS extension proposal is carefully considered," she said in a statement to the ABC.

"We urge the minister to respond to our concerns and assure the public that a rigorous due diligence process has occurred to ensure no conflict of interest exists."