Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. In relation to offshore operations in Australia, I make the point that a number of the safety measures which are now being implemented in the United States have been in operation in Australia for some time. An example of that is that Australia introduced a discrete standalone safety regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority in 2005, a step that the United States is only now implementing following the incident in the gulf.

It is the case that the commission of inquiry has concluded its public hearings. The government is awaiting Commissioner Borthwick’s report. I am advised that the Minister for Resources and Energy is closely monitoring developments and sharing information in relation to the Montara incidents with our American counterparts. In relation to the steps the government has taken following the Montara incident, these have included, obviously, commencing the commission of inquiry to provide recommendations to government and industry in order to prevent another such incident from occurring; requesting the Northern Territory government as the delegated, designated authority to undertake a review of the status of wells suspended by PTEP at the Montara wellhead platform; moving amendments to the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act to enhance the safety and integrity regulation for offshore petroleum activity; commencing a review of the findings and recommendations arising from the US Department of the Interior’s report on increased safety measures for energy development on the outer continental shelf for relevance for Australian legislation regulations; and requesting all designated authorities to undertake a compliance review of existing well approvals. Senator, I think you referenced that last one in your question. (Time expired)