Stedman Ellis: Why John Butler is off key over oil and gas exploration

Written on the 16 October 2016

JOHN Butler may be a very talented singer, songwriter and musician. But as an activist, he has a big credibility problem.

You see, while he rails against Kimberley gas hubs and oil exploration in the Great Australian Bight, the truth is Butler owes part of his success to the petroleum industry.

I don't expect him to acknowledge his debt to oil and gas when he fronts his anti-gas concerts in Margaret River in November, so I'll do it for him.

The CDs and vinyl records that have taken Butler to the top of the charts are made from plastics that are derived from crude oil.

Without petroleum-based coating, the wiring that connects Butler's instruments to amplifiers and speakers would just be bundles of coiled metal. In fact, without petroleum, he wouldn't have any instruments at all.

And without petroleum-based transport fuels, Butler would not be able to travel the world performing and protesting against the very industry that has given him wings.

That's right. Without petroleum, John Butler would most likely still be busking on a street corner in Fremantle.

Read More...

Source: Perth Now - Stedman Ellis, APPEA

Image:  The Noonkanbah people granted consent to Buru Energy to begin fracking for shale gas. Pictured: Dickey Cox and Buru Energy chief scientist Dr Damian Ogburn.

READ JOHN BUTLER'S REPLY HERE

Watch Buru's video of Noonkanbah