Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for the Environment is not responsible for the granting or management of petroleum exploration leases or special prospecting licences in Commonwealth waters. This is the responsibility of an authority in the Industry and Science portfolio—the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator. The Department of the Environment and the Director of National Parks are consulted by the Department of Industry and Science on the environmental and regulatory features of the proposed release areas. The Department of Industry and Science, through its acreage release process, provides the information to prospective bidders on third party considerations, including environment and heritage protection, marine reserves, native title rights and interests, navigation and maritime safety, fishing activities, defence activities, submarine telecommunication cables, international issues and insurance. This information for the third parties is provided through what are called the 'notices for all areas' and 'notices for specific areas', issued by the Department of Industry and Science. All information related to acreage release programs and subsequent allocation of permits is available on the Department of Industry and Science website.

Question agreed to.