Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Faruqi, move:

That the Senate—

(a) opposes oil or gas drilling off the coast of Sydney;

(b) notes that through Advent Energy's own admission on 29 December 2010, the exploratory well had failed to find gas;

(c) calls on the Government not to renew the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 licence; and

(d) further notes the importance of Sydney's coastline and waterways to the ecosystem as well as tourism and investment.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

The coalition government supports the development of our offshore gas resources. New gas supplies will drive down gas and electricity prices for Australian businesses, provide an essential feedstock and energy source for Australian manufacturers and provide heating and cooking for millions of households. Australia's competitive advantage has always been based on cheap energy, and gas will be central to our ongoing economic recovery. Exploration for and production of gas in Commonwealth offshore waters has been undertaken safely and responsibly for decades. The Australian government makes its decisions in the interests of all Australians while the Greens show their contempt for the Australian industry and Australian workers who rely on a reliable east coast gas supply.