Anne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Lazarus I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment, no later than 3.30 pm on 24 June 2015, all documents relating to the issuing, from August 2013 to date, of exploration licences and special prospecting authorities in the 40 new marine reserves declared in 2012, including:

(a) how many were issued;

(b) to whom;

(c) in which marine reserves;

(d) for what purposes;

(e) for what duration; and

(f) the geographical parameters for each of the licences and authorities.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for the Environment is not responsible for the granting or management of petroleum exploration leases or special prospecting licences in Commonwealth waters. This is the responsibility of an authority in the Industry and Science portfolio—the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator. The Department of the Environment and the Director of National Parks are consulted by the Department of Industry and Science on the environmental and regulatory features of the proposed release areas. The Department of Industry and Science, through its acreage release process, provides the information to prospective bidders on third party considerations, including environment and heritage protection, marine reserves, native title rights and interests, navigation and maritime safety, fishing activities, defence activities, submarine telecommunication cables, international issues and insurance. This information for the third parties is provided through what are called the 'notices for all areas' and 'notices for specific areas', issued by the Department of Industry and Science. All information related to acreage release programs and subsequent allocation of permits is available on the Department of Industry and Science website.

Question agreed to.