The Federal Government is acting to protect the rapidly growing $24 billion-a-year offshore oil and gas industry from terrorist and piracy attacks.
Offshore oil and gas production not only provides a major input to the Australian economy, it is also a vital part of our critical national infrastructure.
In response to growing threats from international terrorism and piracy, the Government has commissioned the first comprehensive review into the security of Australia’s offshore oil and gas facilities.
The Inspector of Transport security, former Federal Police commissioner, Mick Palmer, has been directed to conduct the review to ensure that Australia’s offshore facilities are sufficiently protected.
The growing offshore oil and gas exploration and production sector already employs more than 10,000 Australians and generates over $24 billion in annual export earnings.
The Government says that while there’s currently no specific threat against any Australian facilities, it believes we must remain vigilant.
Federal, State and Territory agencies including Defence, the Australian Federal Police, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority will provide input to the inquiry.
Palmer has been asked to provide a draft report by late 2011.