Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Hanson-Young, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 March 2019:

The impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment, with particular reference to:

(a) the regulation of seismic testing in both Commonwealth and state waters, and the responsibilities of federal and state governments;

(b) the consultation process regarding the approval of seismic testing;

(c) the extent to which potential impacts are taken into account during the consultation process;

(d) the protections provided by Australian Marine Parks against any potential impacts;

(e) the approach taken to seismic testing internationally;

(f) recent scientific findings; and

(g) any other related matters.

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have convinced Senator Abetz, who is of course a supporter of the fishing industry and would like to see this motion get up.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

The Australian government has robust processes for assessing the environmental impacts of seismic surveys on fisheries and the marine environment. In applying the petroleum titleholders environmental plan, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority must be satisfied that the environmental impacts of the activities have been considered, control is proposed to reduce the risk of an unacceptable level, and the community and affected industry have been adequately consulted. The government continues to encourage better collaboration between the fishing and petroleum sectors to further improve certainty about the management of environmental impacts, including a joint workshop occurring this Friday in Melbourne between Seafood Industry Australia and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave not granted.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 4 be agreed to.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I again seek leave to make a short statement in relation to the last motion.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave hasn't been granted, Senator Whish-Wilson.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Who denied it?

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I believe it was the Labor senators.