Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

Fossil fuels, including oil, gas and coal, are going to play a vital role in Australia's energy mix for the foreseeable future. The current acreage release provides opportunities to ensure continued energy security for all Australians. Our oil and gas reserves are an important part of our national wealth, too. Gas is now our third-biggest export. Exploration for oil and gas in Australian waters has been undertaken safely for decades. The industry is overseen by an independent expert regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, otherwise known as NOPSEMA.