Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Resources, Minister Farrell. In the 2023-24 budget, there was a commitment for $12 million over three years for a review of the environmental management regime for offshore petroleum to ensure it's fit for purpose. This will include consultation on all offshore projects, including with traditional owners and First Nations people. This review quietly kicked off at the end of May. Minister, how is the government advertising this review to ensure that a wide range of voices are heard, including those of First Nations people?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question. All of the decisions this government takes to the election, we carry through on. You'll recall earlier today that we put up a vote to have a referendum on the recognition of Indigenous Australians and their Voice to Parliament.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Cox.

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This question is about the review of the environmental management regime for offshore petroleum.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Cox. I'll remind the minister of your question. Minister Farrell.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My understanding is that that is directly related to a range of other issues, including issues that relate to native title. So I think there is some link between what—

Honourable senators interjecting—

Well, with due respect—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Order on my left! Senator Birmingham, I have just called the chamber to order. Senator McKenzie! Minister, please continue.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think there is a connection, and, unlike Senator Scarr, I don't think it's tenuous; I think it's directly related to these issues. Whatever commitments that we took to the last election are commitments that we are carrying through on, and that doesn't matter whether it's in relation to this issue or any other issue. We're a government that if we say we're going to do something, we will do it.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, a first supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What is the time line for this review, and are other any public terms of reference for it?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will have a chat to the relevant minister, Minister King, and I will come back to you with a formal response on that.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, a second supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can you outline the expected outcomes of this review and how it will take into consideration important legal precedence, such as the historic Barossa case determination in the Northern Territory?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Obviously, the issues that relate to the Barossa project and the decision of the courts in respect of that will be matters that will be taken into consideration. All of those issues that relate to court decisions in this space will, of course, be the subject of consideration by any inquiry. But I will get a formal response for you from the minister in order to respond to that question.