Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the minister for her response to my question. Obviously, I do not agree with the minister's characterisation of the current situation as a lawyers' picnic. I would characterise it as people exercising their fundamental right to challenge in the court things that they feel are illegal. Where the minister and I probably do agree is with the goal of improving health and safety for offshore oil and gas workers, and I think that is commendable. However, can the minister explain to the House why provisions likely to weaken environmental oversight and community consultation standards are attached to this bill if it's about health and safety for offshore oil and gas workers? And why on earth are we being asked to urgently pass these unrelated changes together in the same bill?

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