Gary Humphries (ACT, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition supports this legislation as part of the process of ensuring that Australian and global communities are confident in the operation of offshore petroleum assets, particularly in the oil and gas industry—a very important part of the Australian economy. Our gas exports at present come almost entirely from offshore petroleum in Western Australia, with some also from offshore petroleum in the waters north of Darwin. It has involved the introduction of the latest technology in the world, that of a floating LNG plant located aboard a ship which is larger than an aircraft carrier. It is imperative that Australia moves into the next phase of offshore petroleum production, liquids, condensate and oil, and also gas for the LNG plants to supply the Asian markets in particular. This legislation will ensure that those operations are done safely in an environmentally sustainable way.

The amendments introduce a number of important provisions, which are supported by the opposition. We believe the offshore oil and gas industry can operate in the manner which allows it to grow without exposing either the workers or the environment to unnecessary risks. We need to have the right legislation to ensure correct and safe operation, but the onus must be on the industry to go above and beyond the requirements of the legislation to do everything it can to ensure that the safety of its workers and the protection of the environment are paramount. Accordingly, I commend the bill to the Senate.