About the review

The review looked at the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 and the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023. 

The review recommended improvements to the environmental management regime to make sure it:

  • is fit for purpose in a decarbonising economy
  • reflects best practice for offshore environmental management
  • is consistent with recent reforms to the national environment law 
  • is consistent with Australia’s international obligations for emissions and sustainable development.

Review process

Our department led the review. We also worked with:

  • other government agencies
  • the petroleum and greenhouse gas storage industries
  • other industries such as fishing
  • Traditional Owners
  • First Nations peoples and communities
  • environmental groups
  • international stakeholders.

The review included:

  • public consultation, policy reform options and proposed regularly amendments
  • targeted stakeholder engagement.

Review milestones

  • Announcing the Environmental Management Review

    The government announced the review as part of the May 2023–24 Budget measure, ‘Working with the Australian Resources Industry on the Pathway to Net Zero’.

  • Remaking the Environment Regulations

    These regulations were due to sunset early in 2024. We remade them so they are easier to understand and use. These minor amendments came into effect on 10 January 2024.

  • Clarifying consultation requirements

    We opened public consultation to clarify consultation requirements for offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage regulatory approvals in January 2024. We want to make sure that the consultation requirements are clear for everyone.

  • Examining the offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage regime

    We consulted targeted stakeholders in 2024 to identify potential areas for improvement in the carbon capture and storage regime.

  • Publishing review findings

    The reports identify a suite of reform opportunities. The government is considering next steps.

Download the review findings

More information

Read about how we regulate offshore oil and gas activities in Australian Commonwealth waters.
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