Senate debates

Thursday, 4 September 2025

Committees

Economics References Committee; Reference

11:56 am

Photo of David PocockDavid Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 9 December 2025:

The proposed takeover of Santos Limited by the XRG Consortium, with particular reference to:

(a) Australia's energy security and control over critical energy assets;

(b) the impact on domestic energy prices and the tension between exports and domestic supplies;

(c) the implications for the development of new gas fields;

(d) the impact on economic sovereignty, diplomatic relations and national security of a foreign government being a major holder of critical energy infrastructure;

(e) the impact on emissions and compliance with Australia's climate obligations;

(f) decommissioning liabilities of Santos' existing assets;

(g) the character of the bidders in the XRG Consortium, with regard to their internal governance and track records; and

(h) any other related matters.

Question negatived.