Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Siewert for her question. In relation to the first issue, which was the size of the slick, the brief with which I have been provided indicates that as of 2 September the oil slick is some 70 nautical miles by 20 nautical miles in size, with approximately 25 per cent of the area covered in patches of oil and sheen. Obviously this is a deeply concerning incident. The lead agency, as the senator is probably aware, is the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. However, obviously this has involved other government agencies, including the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. I am also advised that the department of the environment is working closely with AMSA and relevant Commonwealth and state agencies to ensure appropriate measures are in place to respond to any impact on wildlife from the spill.

The senator is probably aware that emergency response measures have been in place since the uncontrolled release began on 21 August. It is a matter clearly of great concern to many people and also of great concern to the minister for the environment. For this reason and others, obviously, the department has been fully engaged in responding to the unfolding environmental threat. I can also advise that Minister Garrett has personally flown over the site to consider the extent of the spill firsthand and spoken personally with officers working to monitor and respond to it. Clearly this is an issue of great concern.

The senator also asked about where the minister got information regarding the number of barrels, I think. I do not appear to have that information, so I will pass that on to the minister for the environment and see if I can provide an answer. (Time expired)