The Australian Government has strengthened its legislation to ensure the safety of workers on offshore oil and gas projects.
In particular, the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, has introduced the new legislation to parliament to implement the changes. The legislation follows a review of the offshore safety regime by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
Nothing is more important than ensuring that every worker can come home safely at the end of a swing. The government will always support a strong and resilient resources sector. Together, we have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of the men and women who work on offshore projects.
… said the Minister
Minister King said the changes would implement the outcomes of the safety review and better align provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 with Commonwealth work health and safety laws.
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024 will:
- Strengthen the role and training of Health and Safety Representatives;
- Allow Health and Safety Representatives to request a review of safety management documents;
- Improve worker protection against discrimination and coercion;
- Clarify the definition of health in Australia’s offshore legislation to include physical and psychological health;
- Improve health and safety rules for diving operations and dive vessels; and
- Strengthen and simplify reporting requirements for serious injury notifications.
The Government has committed $12 million to review Australia’s offshore environmental management framework to ensure their regulatory system is fit for purpose for a decarbonising economy.
