Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

The acreage release provides an opportunity for Australia to ensure energy security, bring down gas prices and support Australian jobs. The exploration and production of oil and gas in offshore waters, including on the North West Shelf, the Gippsland Basin and the Otway Basin, has been undertaken safely and responsibly for decades. Indeed, the pristine environment in these areas is a testament to the successful and rigorous regulation of the industry and its ability to coexist with areas of high environmental value. The Australian people can be assured that all petroleum activities in offshore waters will be undertaken safely and to the highest environmental standards.