NT Gas Workers Go on Strike

By Tom Robinson

ABC Rural

Topic: Oil and Gas

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:15 am

The Inpex gas facility in Darwin gets gas from fields under the sea.

In short:

Workers at the Inpex gas facility stopped working after talks about a new pay deal failed.

Some people think the union's demands would make the average Inpex worker's salary over $500,000 a year.

What's next?

Workers took action this morning, and more stoppages are planned for Tuesday evening.

Workers at the Inpex gas operation stopped working after weeks of pay and condition talks failed.

There was industrial action this morning at the Ichthys site, with another two-hour stoppage planned for the evening.

The Offshore Alliance wants better conditions and a 3% annual pay rise.

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association says this would increase labor costs by 50-60% and make the average Inpex salary over $500,000.

The Ichthys operation gets gas from fields in West Australian waters and sends it to Darwin for processing.

Workers at onshore and offshore facilities are taking part in the strike.

The Offshore Alliance said progress was made in talks last week, but Inpex did not meet some key demands.

The alliance said, 'A long way short, and our Inpex members have had enough.'

'Protected Industrial Action starts today on all 3 Inpex facilities with stoppages and work bans.'

The Offshore Alliance said, 'Inpex makes billions from its Australian workforce, and we will keep taking action until Inpex agrees to fair outcomes.'

'If you don't fight, you lose.'

Production started at the Ichthys site in 2019, and it processes up to 9.3 million tonnes of liquid natural gas each year. The site operates every day.

In 2025, the Australian Workers' Union said Inpex was ignoring staff complaints about health and safety.

Union representatives and Inpex have been contacted for comment.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:15 am

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:20 am

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