Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

As we have discussed quite often during this debate, it is not specifically dealt with in this legislation because it is not part of the design of this legislation. The issues relating to the management of the environment are dealt with under other legislative processes which the industry is required to comply with—particularly the regulations. Also, there is a capacity within the legislation for conditions to be applied to designated lease areas. So there are a number of mechanisms under which those issues can be dealt with. I think it is probably quite pertinent to put on the record the excellent record of the oil and gas exploration and mining industries in this country in relation to their practices. I think that needs to be taken into account as part of this debate, because they do have an excellent record.