Offshore petroleum regulatory reform: the WA experience—first 12 months in review

Abstract

On 1 January 2012, a new regulatory framework for the offshore oil and gas industry in Australian Commonwealth waters started. The changes were profound and brought about a single national regulator for safety, environmental management, and well integrity. It also meant that the seven former designated authorities were abolished in favour of a single National Titles Administrator. In the lead up to the reforms, ministers Martin Ferguson and Frederick Moore agreed that officials from their respective departments would implement cooperative working arrangements for the WA adjacent offshore area, to facilitate and ensure a smooth transition for the industry and help achieve the recommendations of the Productivity Commission's review. The authors of this extended abstract reflect on and share the experiences of the past 12 months. An update of the authors' respective agencies' progress beyond the transition phase is also discussed. This extended abstract also outlines projects of interest and how they will benefit the industry and continue to develop the foundations of the cooperative working arrangements between NOPTA and WA-DMP. During the changes and transition program, industry and regulators have strived to engage in the new regime, and the results have been positive. Now is the opportunity for us to come together, ask questions, share information, and examine what has worked and what is yet to come. Several aspects of the arrangements are now evident: the establishment of the National Core Store and Data Repository, the establishment of the National Electronic Approvals and Tracking System (NEATS), and the day-to-day interactions between NOPTA and WA-DMP. The WA-DMP speaker reviews Joint Authority operations for the WA adjacent area since the establishment of NOPTA and NOPSEMA. Bill Tinapple also reviews regulatory framework developments for WA; in particular, changes to provide for shale and tight gas and oil activity, as well as, public engagement to increase confidence in regulatory processes. Coordination of regulatory processes across jurisdictional boundaries are reviewed, including case studies for Gorgon, Wheatstone, and Macedon.