Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I can advise Senator Lazarus that no oil and gas activities will be permitted in sensitive marine areas. There will be no oil and gas exploration and production in sanctuary zones, in marine national parks of the Commonwealth marine reserves. This will be clearly reflected in the new management plans. We are making sure that we get the balance right on this. These reforms are not about allowing mining exploration in sensitive marine areas; that will not be permitted. This restriction will be reflected appropriately in the new management plans. If Minister Hunt has anything further to add in relation to the specific example we will bring that information back to the chamber.