Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Labor will not be supporting this motion. We do support rigorous safety and environmental assessments that consider whether impacts and risks are acceptable on the basis of independent, scientific advice. We also believe that science and consultation, including from the community, should be at the heart of NOPSEMA's decision-making processes. However, Labor does not agree that the Senate should be directing the independent regulator in its assessment processes. This can undermine the independence of the regulator. We supported the Senate inquiry into seismic testing because we understand there are concerns from the community about seismic testing. We do not shy away from asking tough questions to ensure confidence and that the assessment processes are robust and independent of any undue influence.