James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Australia has one of the most robust regulatory regimes for offshore oil and gas in the world. The industry's strict safety and environmental standards are overseen by the independent expert regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. The government has not received any formal proposal to commence world heritage listing for the Great Australian Bight. Any proposal that is advanced needs to have the support of local communities and relevant state governments. World heritage listing should not be thrust upon communities without appropriate consultation.