The Senate has today passed two of the Government's bills to strengthen the regulation of Australia's offshore petroleum industry.
Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, welcomed the passage of this legislation which will increase safety across the sector.
"The Government recognises the critical importance of this industry to Australia's energy security," Minister Ferguson said.
"It is a growing industry that increasingly underpins the strength of our economy in terms of investment, training and job opportunities.
"Safety of both workers and the environment is of paramount concern to the Government.
"This legislation underpins the Government's ongoing commitment to making Australia's offshore regulatory framework the best and safest in the world.
"It forms part of the Government's broader reform agenda for this sector, which we will continue to progress as a priority.
"The two bills passed today strengthen the functions and powers of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority to regulate structural integrity in petroleum exploration and production.
"In the challenging environment of offshore operations it is critical that the individual responsibilities of all participants are clear and understood.
"These bills also provide important clarification of titleholders' occupational health and safety duties in relation to wells, and improve the Safety Authority's inspection and investigation powers in relation to suspected breaches.
"Improved oversight of occupational health and safety as well as structural integrity in relation to wells will further minimise any risks to people and the environment from offshore petroleum activities.
"The constructive manner of the parliamentary debate around this legislation has led to an outcome that will benefit all."
The two bills passed by the Parliament were the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2010 and the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas (Safety Levies) Amendment Bill 2010.