Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The final point I would like to touch on in my contribution to this debate on the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Amendment Bill is the positive step to incorporate recommendations under annex 1 of the Madrid protocol requiring operators to undertake reasonable preventive measures to reduce the risk of environmental emergencies and potential adverse impacts by establishing contingency plans for responding to incidents of potential adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment and to maintain adequate insurance. We have seen examples of rogue operators, and even those that have attempted to do the right thing come into difficulty. I think back to the troubles with a particular cruise ship with a damaged propeller during a voyage deep into the southern oceans. As interest grows in such ventures, we must be sure to mitigate potential harm to the Antarctic environment. I recognise this measure as an important inclusion under the legislation before us.

The coalition supports this legislation. However, we eagerly await the report from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and the Arts, and will consider any recommendations that are forthcoming.

See this speech in context