Senate debates

Thursday, 4 February 2016

Committees

Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference

4:31 pm

Photo of Robert SimmsRobert Simms (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

To amend the motion standing in the names of Senator Xenophon and Senator Simms in today's Notice Paper, to omit the words 'British Petroleum's' and to substitute 'BP's'.

Question agreed to.

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 May 2016:

The potential environmental, social and economic impacts of BP’s planned exploratory oil drilling project, and any future oil or gas production in the Great Australian Bight, with particular reference to:

  (a) the effect of a potential drilling accident on marine and coastal ecosystems, including:

     (i) impacts on existing marine reserves within the Bight,

     (ii) impacts on whale and other cetacean populations, and

     (iii) impacts on the marine environment,

  (b) social and economic impacts, including effects on tourism, commercial fishing activities and other regional industries;

  (c) current research and scientific knowledge;

  (d) the capacity, or lack thereof, of government or private interests to mitigate the effect of an oil spill; and

  (e) any other related matters.

Photo of Cory BernardiCory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Simms to refer a matter to the Environment and Communications References Committee be agreed to. A division having been called for, I remind honourable senators that the division will be held over until the next sitting day in accordance with the standing orders. The matter before the Senate must be adjourned until the next day of sitting, at a time to be fixed by the Senate. The debate is adjourned accordingly.

4:32 pm

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the division be held at the commencement of business on the next day of sitting.

Question agreed to.