WA Government opposes single oil regulator

The West Australian government is firmly opposed to federal government plans for a single national regulator for the offshore petroleum industry in the wake of the Montara oil spill.

Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson outlined to parliament on Wednesday the key findings of a commission of inquiry into Australia's largest offshore oil spill in the Timor Sea in 2009.

The report found that major shortcomings by Thai-based company PTTEP Australasia and systemic failures within the Northern Territory Resources Department in identifying them led to the spill.

The commission of inquiry has recommended the government establish a single national offshore petroleum regulator and Mr Ferguson said the government would act on the recommendation.

WA's Mines and Petroleum Minister, Norman Moore, said his government was firmly opposed to Mr Ferguson's proposal for a single national regulator.

What are your opinions about the government establishing a single national offshore petroleum regulator? Read full article.

Subscribe to our LawTracker product, which allows up to date information and e-mail alerts of Legislative activity.