Offshore gas: Resources Minister Madeleine King to introduce new rules for offshore gas developments

Resources Minister Madeleine King is clearing the path to fix the confusing consultation regime that has been used to stall major gas projects. Ms King has promised to design “clear and unambiguous” rules around consultation for offshore gas developments after court challenges to the Scarborough and Barossa gas projects rocked industry confidence. While consultation on the new rules is still ongoing, Ms King will introduce a legislative amendment on Thursday that will streamline the process to eventually implement the changes. The amendment would allow the minister to effectively bypass the existing, complex process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). The tweak is part of a Bill to better protect workers on offshore oil and gas projects. The safety of offshore projects was brought into sharp focus in June last year after a contractor died while working on Woodside’s North Rankin gas complex. The legislation – which acts on a review ordered under the former Coalition Government – would beef-up the role of health and safety representatives, strengthen protections for workers against discrimination and coercion and simplify reporting requirements when a serious injury occurs. Health and safety rules for diving operations would be improved under the Bill, while the definition of health under federal offshore legislation would be clarified to include physical and psychological health. “Worker health and safety is a top priority for the Australian Government and our resources sector,” Ms King said. “Nothing is more important than ensuring that every worker can come home safely at the end of swing. “Offshore safety rules and regulations are not set and forget - the Government will continue to review and update the rules and legislation for the health and safety of workers in offshore industries.” Ms King earlier this year called for feedback from the gas industry, traditional owner groups and other stakeholders on potential changes to clear up the consultation rules after the the high-profile Woodside and Santos court battles. The Government has signalled that it wants to clarify the requirements without diluting the obligation on gas companies to genuinely consult with people affected by their projects. The closing date for feedback has been pushed back to March 8.