A number of factors eventually prompted the parties towards concluding a
negotiated, if interim, settlement. Chief among these ‘push’ factors was the
obvious economic one. Both sides clearly desired to facilitate the development
of the seabed resources of the Timor Sea, and particularly the Greater Sunrise
field, as soon as possible. For Australia there was a strong commercial incen-tive to seeing the Sunrise project proceed. The Australian-led consortium
responsible for that development, as well as the government of the Northern
Territory, which stands to benefit significantly should the resources be brought
ashore in Darwin, proved to be especially keen lobbyists in favour of a deal
being reached.