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

The government recognises the importance of both the fishing and petroleum industries to the economy. Oil and gas activities in Commonwealth waters have been effectively regulated alongside fishing for many decades, with strict safety and environmental standards underpinned by science and overseen by an independent expert regulator in NOPSEMA. We recognise the concerns of the fishing industry about the potential impact of seismic surveys on the marine environment. We're working with fishing industry peak bodies and the offshore petroleum industry on a voluntary national approach for consultation and engagement, improving certainty for both industries. This is complex, constructive and ongoing work that will achieve more than this intentionally divisive motion from the Greens.