Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of Senator Hanson-Young, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that, on 31 July 2019, offshore petroleum exploration acreage was released, containing 64 areas available for lease:

  (i) this is largest number of areas released since 2000, with more than 120,000 square kilometres available, and

  (ii) fossil fuels are the leading cause of climate change; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to halt the development of any further fossil fuel basins.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) 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.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to 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.

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

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 89, in the name of Senator Hanson-Young, be agreed to.