Further links between CLP and gas firm emerge as ex-staffer's shares revealed
Northern Territory Treasurer and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan's former adviser says she disclosed her shareholdings in Beetaloo Energy before starting work in a senior advisory role.
A former adviser to the Northern Territory infrastructure minister has come forward to reveal her ownership of shares in gas firm Beetaloo Energy before commencing her role. Sonia Harvey, who served as the government and community relations vice-president for the NT Treasurer and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan's office from March 2025 to September 2025, disclosed her shareholdings during a pre-employment check.
Harvey had been with Beetaloo Energy, previously known as Empire Energy, for three years prior to her appointment.
The ABC reported earlier this year that NT Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley had been promoting Beetaloo Energy without disclosing his relative's employment at the company. The former staffer's shares in Beetaloo Energy, valued at approximately $13,750, were held throughout her tenure at the minister's office. During her time at the NT government's office, Harvey was unaware of any specific details regarding the company's appraisal gas deal with Beetaloo Basin fracking project, which was signed in September 2025.
The government's agreement with Beetaloo Energy for appraisal gas has been kept confidential for commercial in confidence reasons. Despite her lack of involvement in procurement processes and budget decisions, Transparency International Australia's Clancy Moore called for transparency into Harvey's conflict of interest management. The NT government has pledged to follow ministerial staff code of conduct, requiring staff to declare and manage conflicts of interest promptly.
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