Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Patrick for his question and acknowledge getting advance notice of the topic of his question. It is the absolute priority of this government to ensure the safety of any crew on these types of vessels whilst also protecting the marine environment. When there are breaches in relation to safety, this government does not shy away from making sure that those are our two priorities. The government also has been very clear and very transparent about the process that it has put in place to ensure the safety of individuals and the protection of the environment.

As Senator Patrick would know, the Commonwealth has contracted UPS to ensure the safe operations on board the Northern Endeavour and to undertake critical works, while planning a permanent solution for this particular facility and the field in which it is currently operating. We've also ensured that the necessary insurances and memberships are in place. These include memberships of the Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre and Oil Spill Response Limited and insurance through Lloyd's Ship Emergency Response Service. As part of developing a longer term solution, we have been engaging with industry more broadly, understanding that this matter needs to engage everybody whilst making sure of the commercial viability of restarting the program and meeting the requirements of the complete decommissioning or remediation projects associated with making sure that this facility is safe for people and for the environment. I can assure Senator Patrick that the government will apply whatever resources are necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and to protect the marine environment.