Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in February 2025:

The consultation process undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government into the offshore wind industry, with particular reference to:

(a) the efficacy of community engagement and benefit in planning, developing and operating the offshore wind industry;

(b) community engagement within the existing Australian Government offshore wind industry regulatory and legislative frameworks;

(c) the impact of the offshore wind industry on marine life and marine environments in Australian waters; and

(d) any other related matters.

Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in February 2025:

The consultation process undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government into the offshore wind industry, with particular reference to:

(a) the efficacy of community engagement and benefit in planning, developing and operating the offshore wind industry;

(b) community engagement within the existing Australian Government offshore wind industry regulatory and legislative frameworks;

(c) the adherence to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent from Traditional Owners of the affected Sea Country by the Australian Government and offshore wind industry;

(d) the impact of the offshore wind industry on marine life and marine environments in Australian waters, including strategies for impact minimisation and management; and

(e) any other related matters.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government is not supporting this motion and will also not be supporting the amendment of Senator Thorpe. The government recognises the importance of First Nations consultation as part of this process we are progressing as part of the Dyer review. The government will not be supporting the motion as a whole and, as such, as I've said, we will not support Senator Thorpe's amendment. We are working to implement the recommendations of the Dyer review by strengthening the governance of the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner to enhance its independence and its ability to address misinformation, support First Nations people and improve complaint resolution. The government has run a considered, staged process to declare offshore wind zones, with multiple opportunities for feedback and community consultation throughout. We've run this process consistent with consultation requirements outlined in the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021, as legislated by the coalition. Across the six zones, we've held face-to-face sessions with more than 3,800 people and reviewed more than 23,000 written submissions.

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

The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator Thorpe be agreed to.

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

The question is that business of the Senate No. 7, moved by Senator Cadell and amended by Senator Thorpe, be agreed to.