Susan McDonald (Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Benefit to Australia) Bill 2020. I note first and foremost that, while the aim of this bill is a worthy one, it is unfortunately flawed in a way that would result in unintended consequences that may in fact have the opposite effect to its original intention. I agree with the comments made in closing by Senator Hanson, particularly around the way business operates and the importance of our roles in determining legislation in this place. But I do need to talk about the specifics of this legislation amendment.

The legal system relies on explicit wording of legislation and clear definitions. By making the term 'for the benefit of the Australian community' open to interpretation by the courts, we would allow radical environmental groups to tie up any projects in legal fights. And it is not out of the realm of possibility that activist groups would use this amended objective to make the argument that an activity such as drilling an offshore well to recover oil or gas would contribute to climate change or have an environmental impact and that therefore it does not benefit the Australian community. This legislation amendment will expose the gas industry and potentially the entire resources sector to green lawfare and drive industry investment away from Australia. This will of course be disastrous for our economy, for Australian workers and for Australian businesses who are benefiting from the investments into these investments. And—