Former Northern Territory ministerial adviser held gas firm shares during government tenure

A former adviser to Northern Territory Treasurer and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan says she declared her shares in gas producer Beetaloo Energy before starting her government job. Sonia Harvey joined Mr Yan's office in March 2025 after spending three years working as a vice-president at Beetaloo Energy, which was formerly known as Empire Energy. Company records show Ms Harvey held 62,500 shares in Beetaloo Energy while working in the minister's office, valued at about $13,750. Ms Harvey stated she complied with all rules for ministerial staff regarding conflicts of interest and left the role in September 2025. A spokesperson for Mr Yan confirmed she declared her interests in line with the ministerial staff code of conduct. The disclosure follows recent scrutiny over NT Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley promoting the same gas firm without publicly revealing his relative worked there. During Ms Harvey's time in office, the NT government signed an agreement to secure appraisal gas from Beetaloo Energy's fracking project for the local energy grid. Ms Harvey maintained she had no engagement with Beetaloo Energy, was not involved in funding or tender decisions, and did not access information about the gas supply deal. While she was in the office, Mr Yan announced infrastructure tenders tied to the region, including a $68 million contract for the Carpentaria Highway upgrade and a technical advice contract for the Territory Energy Link corridor.

Context

Government officials and ministerial advisers must declare financial interests to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts between public duties and private investments. The Beetaloo Basin project remains a central focus for the Northern Territory government as authorities work to address regional gas supply shortages.