Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

Exploration for oil and gas in offshore New South Wales has been undertaken safely for 30 years. There are strict safety and environmental standards, and the industry is overseen by the independent expert regulator, NOPSEMA. Last week, the government further strengthened consultation and transparency requirements to ensure communities are fully consulted on offshore seismic plans. The large body of international and Australian scientific research shows that, when properly managed, seismic surveys can be conducted safely. Rather than unscientific bans, NOPSEMA relies on expert scientific evidence and will not allow any activity to proceed unless it's safe for the environment, the community and the workers.