Contents

Chapter 1—Introduction                                                                                        1

Part 1.1—Legislative formalities and background                                               1

1............ Short title............................................................................................ 1

2............ Commencement.................................................................................. 2

3............ Simplified outline................................................................................ 3

4............ Commonwealth‑State agreement (the Offshore Constitutional Settlement)            4

5............ Simplified maps.................................................................................. 7

Part 1.2—Interpretation                                                                                                    13

Division 1—General                                                                                                    13

6............ Definitions........................................................................................ 13

7............ Offshore areas................................................................................... 25

8............ Spaces above and below offshore areas............................................ 28

9............ Term of titles.................................................................................... 28

10.......... Renewal of titles............................................................................... 29

11.......... Variation of titles.............................................................................. 30

12.......... Vacated area...................................................................................... 31

13.......... Infrastructure facilities...................................................................... 32

14.......... Terminal station................................................................................ 33

15.......... Extended meaning of explore............................................................ 33

16.......... Graticulation of Earth’s surface and constitution of blocks............. 33

17.......... External Territories........................................................................... 36

18.......... Application of Act........................................................................... 36

19.......... Certain pipelines provisions to apply subject to international obligations             37

Division 2—Datum provisions                                                                               38

Subdivision A—Datum for ascertaining the position of points etc.                 38

20.......... Objects.............................................................................................. 38

21.......... Definitions........................................................................................ 38

22.......... Australian Geodetic Datum.............................................................. 38

23.......... Current datum, previous datum and changeover time...................... 39

24.......... Use of current datum........................................................................ 39

25.......... Use of previous datum..................................................................... 40

26.......... Variation of titles and instruments................................................... 41

27.......... Variation of applications for titles.................................................... 42

28.......... No change to actual position of point, line or area........................... 43

29.......... Transitional regulations.................................................................... 43

30.......... International Seabed Agreements...................................................... 43

Subdivision B—Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means                                                                                                         43

31.......... Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means   43

Division 3—Apportionment of petroleum recovered from adjoining title areas               45

32.......... Title.................................................................................................. 45

33.......... Titleholder and title area................................................................... 45

34.......... Petroleum recovered through inclined well....................................... 45

35.......... Petroleum pool straddling 2 title areas etc........................................ 46

36.......... Petroleum pool straddling Commonwealth title area and State title area etc.          46

37.......... Unit development............................................................................. 47

Part 1.3—Joint Authorities and Designated Authorities                                49

Division 1—Joint Authorities                                                                                49

38.......... Joint Authorities............................................................................... 49

39.......... Functions and powers of Joint Authorities...................................... 50

40.......... Procedure of Joint Authority........................................................... 50

41.......... Decision‑making............................................................................... 50

42.......... Opinion or state of mind of Joint Authority.................................... 51

43.......... Records of decisions of Joint Authority.......................................... 51

44.......... Signing of documents........................................................................ 52

45.......... Communications with Joint Authority............................................ 52

46.......... Judicial notice of signature of member of a Joint Authority............ 52

47.......... Issue of documents, and service of notices, on behalf of Joint Authority               53

48.......... Delegation by a Joint Authority for a State or the Northern Territory.. 54

49.......... Delegation by Joint Authority for an external Territory.................. 55

Division 2—Designated Authorities                                                                   57

50.......... Designated Authorities..................................................................... 57

51.......... Functions and powers of Designated Authorities............................ 57

52.......... Delegation by Designated Authority................................................ 58

53.......... Judicial notice of signature of Designated Authority....................... 59

Division 3—Finance                                                                                                    60

54.......... Payments by the Commonwealth to Western Australia—Royalty Act payments                60

55.......... Payments by the Commonwealth to the States and the Northern Territory          61

56.......... Appropriation.................................................................................. 63

Part 1.4—Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas       64

57.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 64

58.......... Meaning of laws............................................................................... 64

59.......... Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas............... 64

60.......... Disapplication and modification of laws.......................................... 66

61.......... Limit on application of laws............................................................. 66

62.......... Inconsistent law not applied............................................................ 66

63.......... Criminal laws not applied................................................................. 67

64.......... Tax laws not applied........................................................................ 67

65.......... Appropriation law not applied........................................................ 67

66.......... Applied laws not to confer Commonwealth judicial power............. 67

67.......... Applied laws not to contravene constitutional restrictions on conferral of powers on courts               67

68.......... State or Northern Territory occupational health and safety laws do not apply in relation to facilities  67

69.......... Gas pipelines access legislation........................................................ 70

70.......... No limits on ordinary operation of law............................................ 71

71.......... Jurisdiction of State courts............................................................... 71

72.......... Jurisdiction of Territory courts........................................................ 71

73.......... Validation of certain acts.................................................................. 71

74.......... Certain provisions not affected by this Part.................................... 72

Chapter 2—Regulation of activities relating to petroleum 73

Part 2.1—Introduction                                                                                                        73

75.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 73

Part 2.2—Exploration permits                                                                                       75

Division 1—General provisions                                                                            75

76.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 75

77.......... Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for petroleum in offshore area  76

78.......... Rights conferred by exploration permit............................................ 76

79.......... Conditions of exploration permits.................................................... 76

80.......... Duration of exploration permit......................................................... 78

81.......... Extension of exploration permit if permittee applies for retention lease or production licence              79

Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid exploration permit                              81

82.......... Application for work‑bid exploration permit—advertising of blocks 81

83.......... Grant of work‑bid exploration permit—offer document.................. 82

84.......... Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid exploration permit..... 83

85.......... Grant of work‑bid exploration permit.............................................. 85

86.......... Withdrawal of application................................................................ 85

87.......... Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 86

Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid exploration permit                               88

88.......... Application for cash‑bid exploration permit.................................... 88

89.......... Grant of cash‑bid exploration permit—only one application.......... 89

90.......... Grant of cash‑bid exploration permit—2 or more applications....... 90

91.......... Grant of cash‑bid exploration permit............................................... 92

92.......... Extension of cash‑bid exploration permit......................................... 93

Division 4—Obtaining a special exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks                                                                                                                      95

93.......... Application for a special exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks              95

94.......... Grant of special exploration permit—only one application............. 97

95.......... Grant of special exploration permit—2 or more applications.......... 97

96.......... Grant of special exploration permit................................................ 100

Division 5—Renewal of exploration permits                                               101

97.......... Application for renewal of exploration permit............................... 101

98.......... Non‑renewable cash‑bid exploration permits................................. 102

99.......... Limit on renewal of cash‑bid exploration permits.......................... 102

100........ Limits on renewal of work‑bid exploration permits and special exploration permits             102

101........ Standard halving rules..................................................................... 104

102........ Modified halving rules.................................................................... 105

103........ Renewal of exploration permit—offer document........................... 106

104........ Refusal to renew exploration permit.............................................. 107

105........ Renewal of exploration permit....................................................... 107

Division 6—Locations                                                                                              109

106........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 109

107........ Nomination of blocks as a location................................................. 109

108........ Requirement to nominate blocks as a location................................ 110

109........ Declaration of location.................................................................... 111

110........ Revocation of declaration............................................................... 112

111........ Variation of declaration................................................................... 114

Part 2.3—Retention leases                                                                                            116

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          116

112........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 116

113........ Rights conferred by retention lease................................................ 116

114........ Conditions of retention leases........................................................ 117

115........ Duration of retention lease............................................................. 118

116........ Extension of retention lease if lessee applies for production licence 119

Division 2—Obtaining a retention lease                                                        120

Subdivision A—Application for retention lease by the holder of an exploration permit    120

117........ Application for retention lease by the holder of an exploration permit  120

118........ Grant of retention lease—offer document...................................... 121

119........ Refusal to grant retention lease....................................................... 121

120........ Grant of retention lease.................................................................. 122

121........ Exploration permit ceases to be in force when retention lease comes into force     122

122........ Exploration permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 123

Subdivision B—Application for retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field production licence  123

123........ Application for retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field production licence  123

124........ Grant of retention lease—offer document...................................... 124

125........ Refusal to grant retention lease....................................................... 125

126........ Grant of retention lease.................................................................. 125

127........ Production licence ceases to be in force when retention lease comes into force      125

128........ Production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 126

Division 3—Renewal of retention leases                                                       127

129........ Application for renewal of retention lease..................................... 127

130........ Renewal of retention lease—offer document.................................. 128

131........ Refusal to renew retention lease..................................................... 130

132........ Renewal of retention lease.............................................................. 132

Division 4—Revocation of retention leases                                                 133

133........ Notice of proposal to revoke retention lease.................................. 133

134........ Revocation of retention lease.......................................................... 134

Part 2.4—Production licences                                                                                      136

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          136

135........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 136

136........ Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum in offshore area 137

137........ Rights conferred by production licence.......................................... 137

138........ Conditions of production licences.................................................. 137

139........ Duration of production licence....................................................... 139

140........ Termination of life‑of‑field production licence if no recovery operations for 5 years            141

141........ Production licences to which the Royalty Act applies.................. 142

Division 2—Obtaining a production licence as a result of an application made by an exploration permittee or a retention lessee                                                143

142........ Application for production licence by permittee........................... 143

143........ Application period......................................................................... 144

144........ Application for production licence by lessee................................. 145

145........ Offer document............................................................................... 145

146........ Refusal to grant production licence................................................ 146

147........ Grant of production licence............................................................ 147

148........ Exploration permit or retention lease ceases to be in force when production licence comes into force  148

149........ Exploration permit or retention lease transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant       148

Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid production licence over a surrendered block or similar block          150

150........ Application for cash‑bid production licence over surrendered blocks or similar blocks         150

151........ Grant of cash‑bid production licence—only one application......... 151

152........ Grant of cash‑bid production licence—2 or more applications...... 152

153........ Grant of cash‑bid production licence.............................................. 154

Division 4—Obtaining production licences over individual blocks 156

154........ Applications for production licences over individual blocks......... 156

155........ Grant of production licences over individual blocks...................... 156

Division 5—Renewal of fixed‑term production licences                        158

156........ Application for renewal of fixed‑term production licence.............. 158

157........ Renewal of fixed‑term production licence—offer document.......... 159

158........ Refusal to renew fixed‑term production licence............................. 161

159........ Renewal of fixed‑term production licence...................................... 162

Division 6—What happens if a block is not taken up                              163

160........ Revocation of exploration permit or retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not taken up       163

Division 7—Petroleum field development                                                    165

Subdivision A—Directions about the recovery of petroleum                          165

161........ Direction to recover petroleum....................................................... 165

162........ Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum....................... 165

Subdivision B—Unit development                                                                         166

163........ Unit development........................................................................... 166

Part 2.5—Infrastructure licences                                                                               171

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          171

164........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 171

165........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of an infrastructure facility in an offshore area 171

166........ Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence................................. 172

167........ Conditions of infrastructure licences.............................................. 172

168........ Duration of infrastructure licence................................................... 172

169........ Termination of infrastructure licence if no operations for 5 years. 173

Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence                                        175

170........ Application for infrastructure licence............................................. 175

171........ Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document............................ 175

172........ Refusal to grant infrastructure licence............................................ 175

173........ Grant of infrastructure licence........................................................ 176

174........ Consultation—grant of infrastructure licence................................. 176

Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence                                             179

175........ Application for variation of infrastructure licence......................... 179

176........ Variation of infrastructure licence................................................... 179

177........ Consultation—variation of infrastructure licence........................... 180

Part 2.6—Pipeline licences                                                                                            182

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          182

178........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 182

179........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of a pipeline in an offshore area        182

180........ Rights conferred by pipeline licence............................................... 185

181........ Conditions of pipeline licences....................................................... 185

182........ Duration of pipeline licence............................................................ 186

183........ Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for 5 years.......... 186

184........ Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in breach of this Act 188

Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence                                                       190

185........ Application for pipeline licence..................................................... 190

186........ Rights of production licensees following application for pipeline licences by other persons 191

187........ Grant of pipeline licence—offer document.................................... 192

188........ Refusal to grant pipeline licence..................................................... 194

189........ Grant of pipeline licence................................................................. 195

Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence                                                            196

190........ Variation of pipeline licence on application by licensee................. 196

191........ Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a Minister or a statutory body        197

Division 4—Pipeline operation                                                                            199

192........ Common carrier.............................................................................. 199

193........ Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent................................. 200

Part 2.7—Special prospecting authorities                                                             201

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          201

194........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 201

195........ Rights conferred by special prospecting authority........................ 201

196........ Conditions of special prospecting authorities................................ 201

197........ Duration of special prospecting authority..................................... 202

198........ Special prospecting authority cannot be transferred...................... 202

Division 2—Obtaining a special prospecting authority                          203

199........ Application for special prospecting authority............................... 203

200........ Grant or refusal of special prospecting authority.......................... 203

201........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another special prospecting authority        203

Part 2.8—Access authorities                                                                                        205

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          205

202........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 205

203........ Rights conferred by access authority............................................. 205

204........ Conditions of access authorities..................................................... 205

205........ Duration of access authority.......................................................... 206

Division 2—Obtaining an access authority                                                   207

206........ Application for access authority.................................................... 207

207........ Grant or refusal of access authority............................................... 208

208........ Consultation—grant of access authority in same offshore area..... 208

209........ Consultation—approval of grant of access authority in adjoining offshore area     210

Division 3—Variation of access authorities                                                  211

210........ Variation of access authority.......................................................... 211

211........ Consultation—variation of access authority in same offshore area 211

212........ Consultation—approval of variation of access authority in adjoining offshore area               212

Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of access authorities 214

213........ Reporting obligations of holders of access authorities................... 214

Division 5—Revocation of access authorities                                             215

214........ Revocation of access authority....................................................... 215

Part 2.9—Scientific investigation consents                                                          216

215........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 216

216........ Rights conferred by scientific investigation consent...................... 216

217........ Conditions of scientific investigation consents.............................. 216

218........ Grant of scientific investigation consent........................................ 216

Part 2.10—Standard procedures                                                                                218

219........ Application to be made in an approved manner............................. 218

220........ Application fee............................................................................... 218

221........ Application may set out additional matters................................... 219

222........ Designated Authority may require further information................. 220

223........ Offer documents............................................................................. 222

224........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant................................... 223

225........ Acceptance of offer—payment...................................................... 227

226........ Consultation—adverse decisions.................................................... 227

Part 2.11—Variation, suspension and exemption                                             230

Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to exploration permits, retention leases, production licences, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences                230

227........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles........... 230

228........ Extension of term of exploration permit or retention lease—suspension or exemption          232

229........ Suspension of rights—exploration permit or retention lease......... 233

230........ Extension of term of exploration permit or retention lease—suspension of rights 233

Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to special prospecting authorities and access authorities                                                                    235

231........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of special prospecting authorities and access authorities        235

Part 2.12—Surrender of titles                                                                                      237

Division 1—Surrender of exploration permits, production licences, retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences                                                    237

232........ Application for consent to surrender title...................................... 237

233........ Consent to surrender title............................................................... 237

234........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 240

Division 2—Surrender of special prospecting authorities and access authorities           242

235........ Surrender of special prospecting authority.................................... 242

236........ Surrender of access authority......................................................... 242

Part 2.13—Cancellation of titles                                                                                 243

Division 1—Cancellation of exploration permits, production licences, retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences                                                    243

237........ Grounds for cancellation of title..................................................... 243

238........ Cancellation of title......................................................................... 243

239........ Consultation................................................................................... 244

240........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions.................... 245

Division 2—Cancellation of special prospecting authorities               248

241........ Cancellation of special prospecting authority................................ 248

Part 2.14—Other provisions                                                                                         249

242........ Reservation of blocks..................................................................... 249

243........ Interference with other rights......................................................... 250

244........ No conditions about payment of money........................................ 251

245........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks.......................................... 251

246........ Changes to, or reassessment of the location of, the baseline of Australia’s territorial sea      253

247........ Notification of discovery of petroleum.......................................... 255

248........ Property in petroleum.................................................................... 255

249........ Compensation for acquisition of property..................................... 256

Chapter 3—Registration and dealings                                                 258

Part 3.1—Introduction                                                                                                      258

250........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 258

251........ Definition........................................................................................ 258

252........ Dealing—series of debentures........................................................ 258

Part 3.2—Register of titles and special prospecting authorities              259

253........ Register to be kept.......................................................................... 259

254........ Entries in Register—general............................................................ 259

255........ Entry in Register—cessation, revocation or expiry of title............ 261

Part 3.3—Transfer of titles                                                                                            262

256........ Approval and registration of transfers........................................... 262

257........ Application for approval of transfer.............................................. 262

258........ Documents to accompany application........................................... 262

259........ Time limit for application............................................................... 263

260........ Date of application to be entered in Register................................. 263

261........ Approval of transfer....................................................................... 263

262........ Registration of transfer................................................................... 264

263........ Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in the title......... 265

264........ Limit on effect of approval of transfers......................................... 265

Part 3.4—Devolution of title                                                                                         266

265........ Application to have name entered on the Register as the holder of a title               266

266........ Entry of name in the Register......................................................... 266

Part 3.5—Change in name of company                                                                   267

267........ Application to have new name entered on the Register................. 267

268........ Alteration in the Register................................................................ 267

Part 3.6—Dealings relating to existing titles                                                      268

269........ Dealings to which this Part applies................................................ 268

270........ Approval and registration of dealings............................................. 269

271........ Application for approval of dealing............................................... 269

272........ Documents to accompany application........................................... 270

273........ Timing of application..................................................................... 271

274........ Application date to be entered in Register..................................... 272

275........ Approval of dealing........................................................................ 272

276........ Entry of dealing in Register............................................................ 273

277........ Retention, inspection and return of instruments............................ 273

278........ Strict compliance with application provisions not required........... 274

279........ Limit on effect of approval of dealing............................................ 275

Part 3.7—Dealings in future interests                                                                     276

280........ Provisional application for approval of dealing.............................. 276

281........ Documents to accompany provisional application........................ 276

282........ Timing of provisional application.................................................. 278

283........ Provisional application to be treated as an application under section 271 when title comes into existence           278

284........ Limit on approval of dealing........................................................... 279

Part 3.8—Correction and rectification of Register                                          280

285........ Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects............................ 280

286........ General power of correction of Register......................................... 280

287........ Rectification of Register................................................................. 281

Part 3.9—Information‑gathering powers                                                               283

288........ Designated Authority may obtain information from applicants.... 283

289........ Designated Authority may obtain information from a party to an approved dealing             284

290........ Production and inspection of documents....................................... 285

291........ Designated Authority may retain documents................................. 287

Part 3.10—Other provisions                                                                                         288

292........ Designated Authority etc. not concerned with the effect of instrument lodged under this Chapter       288

293........ True consideration to be shown..................................................... 288

294........ Making a false entry in a Register.................................................. 289

295........ Falsified documents........................................................................ 289

296........ Inspection of Register and instruments.......................................... 290

297........ Evidentiary provisions................................................................... 290

298........ Assessment of fee........................................................................... 292

Chapter 4—Administration                                                                              294

Part 4.1—Operations                                                                                                        294

299........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 294

300........ Commencement of works or operations......................................... 294

301........ Work practices................................................................................ 295

302........ Insurance......................................................................................... 297

303........ Maintenance and removal of property etc. by titleholder.............. 299

Part 4.2—Directions                                                                                                          301

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              301

304........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 301

Division 2—General power to give directions                                            302

305........ General power to give directions.................................................... 302

306........ Notification of a direction that has an extended application.......... 304

307........ Compliance with direction.............................................................. 305

Division 3—Designated Authority may take action if there is a breach of a direction  307

308........ Designated Authority may take action if there is a breach of a direction                307

Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction      309

309........ Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction..... 309

Part 4.3—Restoration of the environment                                                            310

310........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 310

311........ Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and licences 310

312........ Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases, licences and authorities etc.           312

313........ Designated Authority may take action if a direction has been breached 315

314........ Removal, disposal or sale of property by Designated Authority—breach of direction          316

315........ Removal, disposal or sale of property—limitation of action etc... 317

316........ Removal, disposal or sale of property—compensation for acquisition of property              318

Part 4.4—Offences and enforcement                                                                       320

317........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 320

318........ Appointment of project inspectors................................................ 320

319........ Monitoring powers of project inspectors...................................... 321

320........ Warrants to enter residential premises........................................... 324

321........ Interfering with offshore petroleum installations or operations..... 324

322........ Forfeiture orders etc....................................................................... 325

323........ Time for bringing proceedings for offences.................................... 326

Part 4.5—Safety zones and the area to be avoided                                         328

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        328

324........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 328

325........ Simplified map of the area to which Schedule 2 applies................ 328

326........ Definitions...................................................................................... 329

327........ Emergency periods—modification of definition of relevant vessel 332

328........ Authorised persons........................................................................ 333

Division 2—Safety zones                                                                                         335

329........ Safety zones................................................................................... 335

Division 3—Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided  337

330........ Designated Authority may authorise entry into area to be avoided 337

331........ Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided...................... 337

Division 4—Powers of authorised persons                                                   340

332........ Requirement to move vessel etc..................................................... 340

333........ Other powers of authorised persons.............................................. 341

334........ Warrants......................................................................................... 344

335........ Exercise of powers in serious circumstances.................................. 344

Part 4.6—Collection of fees and royalties                                                            346

Division 1—Fees payable under the Annual Fees Act                           346

336........ When fee due for payment............................................................. 346

337........ Late payment penalty.................................................................... 346

338........ Recovery of annual fee debts.......................................................... 347

339........ Amounts payable to the Designated Authority............................. 347

Division 2—Fees payable under the Registration Fees Act               348

340........ Fees payable to the Designated Authority..................................... 348

Division 3—Royalties payable under the Royalty Act                            349

341........ When royalty due for payment...................................................... 349

342........ When adjusted amount due for payment........................................ 349

343........ Late payment penalty.................................................................... 350

344........ Recovery of royalty debts.............................................................. 350

345........ Amounts payable to the Designated Authority............................. 351

Division 4—Fees payable under this Act                                                       352

346........ Fees payable under this Act........................................................... 352

Part 4.7—Occupational health and safety                                                             353

347........ Occupational health and safety...................................................... 353

348........ Listed OHS laws............................................................................. 353

349........ Regulations relating to occupational health and safety................... 354

350........ Commonwealth maritime legislation does not apply in relation to facilities located in offshore areas   354

351........ Commonwealth maritime legislation does not apply in relation to facilities located in designated coastal waters 355

Part 4.8—National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority                           357

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        357

352........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 357

353........ Definitions...................................................................................... 357

354........ Designated coastal waters............................................................... 360

Division 2—Establishment, functions and powers of the Safety Authority          362

355........ Establishment of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority 362

356........ Safety Authority’s functions......................................................... 362

357........ Policy principles............................................................................. 363

358........ Safety Authority’s ordinary powers.............................................. 364

359........ References to functions and powers of the Safety Authority........ 364

360........ Safety Authority may be given additional powers in certain circumstances           365

361........ Power to refer matters to NOGSAC.............................................. 366

362........ Safety Authority is a body corporate............................................ 366

Division 3—National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority Board  368

Subdivision A—Establishment, functions and membership                            368

363........ Establishment of Board.................................................................. 368

364........ Functions of the Board................................................................... 368

365........ Powers of the Board....................................................................... 369

366........ Membership................................................................................... 369

Subdivision B—Board procedures                                                                       370

367........ Board procedures............................................................................ 370

Subdivision C—Terms and conditions for Board members                            370

368........ Term of appointment and related matters for Board members...... 370

369........ Remuneration and allowances of Board members.......................... 371

370........ Leave of absence of Board members............................................... 371

371........ Resignation of Board members....................................................... 371

372........ Termination of appointment of Board members............................ 371

373........ Other terms and conditions of Board members.............................. 372

374........ Acting Board members................................................................... 372

Division 4—Chief Executive Officer and staff of the Safety Authority 374

375........ Appointment of the CEO............................................................... 374

376........ Duties of the CEO.......................................................................... 374

377........ Working with the Board................................................................. 374

378........ Remuneration and allowances of the CEO..................................... 375

379........ Leave of absence of the CEO.......................................................... 375

380........ Resignation of the CEO.................................................................. 375

381........ Notification of possible conflict of interest by CEO..................... 375

382........ Termination of CEO’s appointment.............................................. 376

383........ Other terms and conditions............................................................ 377

384........ Acting appointments...................................................................... 377

385........ Delegation by CEO......................................................................... 378

386........ Staff of the Safety Authority......................................................... 378

387........ Consultants and persons seconded to the Safety Authority.......... 378

Division 5—Corporate plans                                                                                380

388........ Corporate plans.............................................................................. 380

389........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister’s response to corporate plan 380

Division 6—OHS inspectors                                                                                 382

390........ Appointment of OHS inspectors................................................... 382

391........ Identity cards.................................................................................. 382

Division 7—National Offshore Petroleum Safety Account                   384

392........ National Offshore Petroleum Safety Account................................ 384

393........ Credits to the Account................................................................... 384

394........ Purposes of the Account................................................................ 385

Division 8—Other financial matters                                                                 386

395........ Fees for expenses incurred by the Safety Authority...................... 386

396........ Safety investigation levy................................................................ 386

397........ Safety case levy.............................................................................. 387

398........ Pipeline safety management plan levy........................................... 389

399........ Liability to taxation........................................................................ 390

Division 9—Miscellaneous                                                                                    391

400........ Annual reports................................................................................ 391

401........ Ministers may require the Safety Authority to prepare reports or give information             392

402........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to the Safety Authority             393

403........ Prosecutions by the Director of Public Prosecutions under mirror provisions       395

404........ Australian Industrial Relations Commission may exercise powers under mirror provisions  395

405........ Reviews of operations of Safety Authority................................... 396

Chapter 5—Information                                                                                      398

Part 5.1—Data management and gathering of information                        398

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        398

406........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 398

Division 2—Data management                                                                            399

407........ Direction to keep records............................................................... 399

408........ Regulations about data management............................................... 400

Division 3—Information‑gathering powers                                                   403

409........ Designated Authority or project inspector may obtain information and documents              403

410........ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................ 405

411........ Power to examine on oath or affirmation........................................ 405

412........ Self‑incrimination............................................................................ 405

413........ Copies of documents...................................................................... 406

414........ Designated Authority or project inspector may retain documents 406

415........ False or misleading information...................................................... 406

416........ False or misleading documents....................................................... 407

417........ False or misleading evidence........................................................... 407

Part 5.2—Release of regulatory information                                                      408

418........ Notifiable events—Gazette notice.................................................. 408

419........ Designated Authority to make documents available to responsible Commonwealth Minister               409

Part 5.3—Release of technical information                                                         410

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        410

420........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 410

421........ Definitions...................................................................................... 410

Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and samples 412

Subdivision A—Information and samples obtained by the Designated Authority                412

422........ Protection of confidentiality of documentary information obtained by the Designated Authority        412

423........ Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining samples obtained by the Designated Authority       412

424........ Designated Authority may make information or samples available to a Minister, a State Minister or a Northern Territory Minister.......................................................................... 413

Subdivision B—Information and samples obtained by a Minister                  413

425........ Protection of confidentiality of information obtained by a Minister 413

426........ Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining samples obtained by a Minister               414

Subdivision C—Miscellaneous                                                                             414

427........ Fees................................................................................................. 414

428........ Review by Minister........................................................................ 415

429........ Privacy Act..................................................................................... 415

Division 3—Copyright                                                                                              416

430........ Publishing or making copies of applicable documents not an infringement of copyright        416

Division 4—Release of technical information given to the Designated Authority before 7 March 2000                                                                                                                    417

431........ Release of technical information given to the Designated Authority before 7 March 2000    417

Chapter 6—Miscellaneous                                                                               418

Part 6.1—Reconsideration and review of decisions                                        418

432........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 418

433........ Definitions...................................................................................... 418

434........ Reconsideration of reviewable delegated decision.......................... 419

435........ Review of reviewable Ministerial decision..................................... 421

Part 6.2—Liability for acts and omissions                                                            422

436........ Liability for acts and omissions...................................................... 422

Part 6.3—Jurisdiction of courts                                                                                   424

437........ Jurisdiction of State courts............................................................. 424

438........ Jurisdiction of Territory courts...................................................... 424

Part 6.4—Service of documents                                                                                  425

439........ Service of documents...................................................................... 425

440........ Service of documents on Joint Authority....................................... 427

441........ Service of documents on 2 or more registered holders of a title..... 427

Part 6.5—Publication in Gazette                                                                                 429

442........ Publication in Gazette..................................................................... 429

Part 6.6—Regulations                                                                                                      430

443........ Regulations..................................................................................... 430

444........ Regulations dealing with specific matters....................................... 430

445........ Regulations may provide for matters by reference to codes of practice or standards             431

446........ Unconditional or conditional prohibition....................................... 432

447........ Exercise of Australia’s rights under international law—continental shelf               432

448........ Exercise of Australia’s rights under international law—petroleum within territorial limits    432

449........ Offences.......................................................................................... 432

Part 6.7—Transitional provisions                                                                              434

450........ Transitional provisions................................................................... 434

Schedule 1—Scheduled areas for the States and Territories                435

1............ Scheduled area for New South Wales............................................. 435

2............ Scheduled area for Victoria............................................................. 436

3............ Scheduled area for Queensland....................................................... 437

4............ Scheduled area for South Australia................................................. 440

5............ Scheduled area for Western Australia............................................. 441

6............ Scheduled area for Tasmania........................................................... 446

7............ Scheduled area for the Northern Territory..................................... 448

8............ Scheduled area for the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands.. 450

9............ References to this Schedule in other laws....................................... 453

Schedule 2—Area that includes the area to be avoided     454

1............ Area that includes the area to be avoided....................................... 454

Schedule 3—Occupational health and safety                                455

Part 1—Introduction                                                                                                          455

1............ Objects............................................................................................ 455

2............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 455

3............ Definitions...................................................................................... 457

4............ Facilities.......................................................................................... 461

5............ Operator of a facility or proposed facility..................................... 463

6............ Operator must ensure presence of operator’s representative........ 463

7............ Health and safety of persons using an accommodation facility..... 464

8............ Contractor....................................................................................... 464

Part 2—Occupational health and safety                                                                 465

Division 1—Duties relating to occupational health and safety           465

9............ Duties of operator.......................................................................... 465

10.......... Duties of persons in control of parts of facility or particular work 467

11.......... Duties of employers....................................................................... 469

12.......... Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and substances.......... 470

13.......... Duties of suppliers of facilities, plant and substances................... 472

14.......... Duties of persons erecting facilities or installing plant................... 474

15.......... Duties of persons in relation to occupational health and safety.... 475

16.......... Reliance on information supplied or results of research................. 476

Division 2—Regulations relating to occupational health and safety 478

17.......... Regulations relating to occupational health and safety................... 478

Part 3—Workplace arrangements                                                                             480

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        480

18.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 480

Division 2—Designated work groups                                                              481

Subdivision A—Establishment of designated work groups                             481

19.......... Establishment of designated work groups by request.................... 481

20.......... Establishment of designated work groups at initiative of operator 482

Subdivision B—Variation of designated work groups                                     482

21.......... Variation of designated work groups by request............................ 482

22.......... Variation of designated work groups at initiative of operator........ 484

Subdivision C—General                                                                                         484

23.......... Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority............................. 484

24.......... Manner of grouping members of the workforce............................. 485

Division 3—Health and safety representatives                                          486

Subdivision A—Selection of health and safety representatives                      486

25.......... Selection of health and safety representatives................................ 486

26.......... Election of health and safety representatives................................. 486

27.......... List of health and safety representatives........................................ 487

28.......... Members of designated work group must be notified of selection etc. of health and safety representative           488

29.......... Term of office................................................................................. 488

30.......... Training of health and safety representatives................................. 489

31.......... Resignation etc. of health and safety representatives..................... 489

32.......... Disqualification of health and safety representatives..................... 490

33.......... Deputy health and safety representatives...................................... 491

Subdivision B—Powers of health and safety representatives                         492

34.......... Powers of health and safety representatives.................................. 492

35.......... Assistance by consultant................................................................ 493

36.......... Information..................................................................................... 494

37.......... Obligations and liabilities of health and safety representatives...... 495

38.......... Provisional improvement notices................................................... 495

39.......... Effect of provisional improvement notice...................................... 497

Subdivision C—Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to health and safety representatives              499

40.......... Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to health and safety representatives 499

Division 4—Health and safety committees                                                   502

41.......... Health and safety committees........................................................ 502

42.......... Functions of health and safety committees.................................... 503

43.......... Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to health and safety committees       504

Division 5—Emergency procedures                                                                 506

44.......... Action by health and safety representatives.................................. 506

45.......... Direction to perform other work.................................................... 507

Division 6—Exemptions                                                                                         509

46.......... Exemptions..................................................................................... 509

Part 4—Inspections                                                                                                            510

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        510

47.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 510

48.......... Powers, functions and duties of OHS inspectors........................... 510

Division 2—Inspections                                                                                          512

49.......... Inspections..................................................................................... 512

Division 3—Powers of OHS inspectors in relation to the conduct of inspections           513

Subdivision A—General powers of entry and search                                       513

50.......... Powers of entry and search—facilities........................................... 513

51.......... Powers of entry and search—regulated business premises (other than facilities)   514

52.......... Powers of entry and search—premises (other than regulated business premises)  515

53.......... Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated business premises) 516

54.......... Obstructing or hindering OHS inspector........................................ 517

Subdivision B—Offence‑related searches and seizures                                  518

55.......... What is evidential material?............................................................ 518

56.......... Offence‑related searches and seizures—OHS inspector already present at facility                518

57.......... Offence‑related searches and seizures—OHS inspector not already present at facility, premises or vessel          521

58.......... Data access powers........................................................................ 524

59.......... Data seizure powers....................................................................... 526

60.......... Access to computer data................................................................ 527

61.......... Compensation for damage to equipment........................................ 528

62.......... Copies of things seized to be provided.......................................... 529

63.......... Operator’s representative, occupier or master entitled to be present during search               530

64.......... Receipts for things seized............................................................... 531

65.......... Retention of things seized.............................................................. 531

66.......... Magistrate may permit a thing seized to be retained for a further period               531

67.......... Magistrate may issue warrant........................................................ 532

68.......... Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc.................................... 533

69.......... Contents of warrant........................................................................ 534

70.......... Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc................ 534

71.......... Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc................. 536

72.......... This Subdivision does not limit other powers................................ 536

Subdivision C—Other powers                                                                               537

73.......... Power to require assistance............................................................ 537

74.......... Power to require the answering of questions and the production of documents or articles    538

75.......... Power to take possession of plant, take samples of substances etc. 541

76.......... Power to direct that workplace etc. not be disturbed..................... 542

77.......... Power to issue prohibition notices................................................. 544

78.......... Power to issue improvement notices.............................................. 546

79.......... Notices not to be tampered with or removed................................. 549

Division 4—Reports on inspections                                                                 550

80.......... Reports on inspections................................................................... 550

Division 5—Appeals                                                                                                  552

81.......... Appeals against decisions of OHS inspectors................................ 552

Part 5—General provisions                                                                                           555

82.......... Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous occurrences....... 555

83.......... Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to be kept.......... 557

84.......... Codes of practice............................................................................ 557

85.......... Use of codes of practice in criminal proceedings............................ 558

86.......... Interference etc. with equipment etc.............................................. 558

87.......... Members of workforce not to be levied......................................... 559

88.......... Employer not to dismiss etc. employees on certain grounds......... 559

89.......... Institution of prosecutions............................................................. 560

90.......... Conduct of directors, employees and agents.................................. 562

91.......... Schedule not to give rise to other liabilities etc............................... 563

92.......... Circumstances preventing compliance may be defence to prosecution 563

93.......... Regulations—general...................................................................... 564

Schedule 4—Production licences to which the Royalty Act applies               565

Part 1—Introduction                                                                                                          565

1............ Definitions...................................................................................... 565

Part 2—Applying for a production licence                                                            566

2............ Application for production licence by holder of exploration permit to which the Royalty Act applies                566

3............ Application period......................................................................... 569

4............ Application for production licence by holder of retention lease to which the Royalty Act applies      570

Part 3—Obtaining a production licence                                                                  573

5............ Secondary production licence—offer document must specify rate of royalty        573

6............ Limit on grant of secondary production licence............................. 573

Part 4—Variation of licence area                                                                               574

7............ Variation of licence area of production licence............................... 574

Part 5—What happens if a block is not taken up                                              575

8............ Revocation of exploration permit or retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not taken up       575

Schedule 5—Release of technical information given to the Designated Authority before 7 March 2000                                                                                 577

1............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 577

2............ Definitions...................................................................................... 577

3............ Time of receipt of certain information............................................ 578

4............ Protection of the confidentiality of information............................. 578

5............ Designated Authority may make information available to a Minister, a State Minister or a Northern Territory Minister........................................................................................................ 579

6............ Disclosure of basic information given in connection with an application                579

7............ Disclosure of basic information after authorised release day......... 580

8............ Disclosure of information that is in the public domain.................. 583

9............ Disclosure of derivative information after 5 years......................... 584

10.......... Transitional—section 118 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967              587

Schedule 6—Transitional provisions                                                      588

Part 1—Basic provisions                                                                                                 588

1............ Definitions...................................................................................... 588

2............ Re‑enactment of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967....... 589

3............ Old titles continue in force............................................................. 589

4............ Transitional—eligible instruments.................................................. 589

5............ Transitional—acts or things done before commencement.............. 590

6............ Transitional—conditions of old titles............................................. 591

7............ Translation of references in documents.......................................... 591

8............ Transitional regulations.................................................................. 594

Part 2—Specific provisions                                                                                            595

9............ Joint Authority............................................................................... 595

10.......... Joint Authority for an external Territory....................................... 595

11.......... Designated Authority..................................................................... 595

12.......... Chief Executive Officer of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority      596

13.......... Project inspectors........................................................................... 596

14.......... Offshore area.................................................................................. 596

15.......... Registers......................................................................................... 596

16.......... Registration fees—transfer............................................................. 597

17.......... Registration fees—dealings............................................................. 597

18.......... Retention and inspection of documents......................................... 598

19.......... Assessment of registration fee........................................................ 598

20.......... Payments by the Commonwealth to the States and the Northern Territory          599

21.......... Adjustment to period required or allowed for doing an act or thing etc. 599

22.......... Old titles—continuation in force beyond date of expiry................ 601

23.......... Renewal of exploration permits...................................................... 602

24.......... Renewal of retention leases............................................................ 602

25.......... Grant of production licences over individual blocks...................... 602

26.......... Renewal of fixed‑term production licences..................................... 603

27.......... Grant of pipeline licences............................................................... 603

28.......... Requirement to provide further information in connection with application for title             603

29.......... Revocation of exploration permits, retention leases, production licences and access authorities           604

30.......... Surrender of title............................................................................. 604

31.......... Cancellation of old titles................................................................. 605

32.......... Commencement of works or operations......................................... 605

33.......... Deduction of debts from proceeds of sale of property.................. 606

34.......... Authorised persons........................................................................ 606

35.......... Release of regulatory information................................................... 607

36.......... Release of technical information—deemed time of receipt of certain information and samples              607

37.......... Liability for acts and omissions...................................................... 608

38.......... Reconsideration and review of decisions........................................ 608

39.......... Meaning of petroleum in the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 608

40.......... OHS inspections............................................................................. 608

41.......... OHS prosecutions.......................................................................... 609

42.......... Disqualification of health and safety representatives..................... 610

 

 

Offshore Petroleum Act 2006

No. 14, 2006

 

An Act about offshore petroleum, and for other purposes

Assented to 29 March 2006

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

  

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