Two new bodies responsible for consistency and efficiency in offshore petroleum regulation in Commonwealth waters have commenced operations.

 

The  National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) officially commenced operations at the beginning of the month.

 

The two bodies form part of the Federal Government's response to the Productivity Commission's Montara Inquiry, which was formed after the uncontrolled release of oil and gas from the Montara Wellhead Platform in the Timor Sea in 2009. 

 

NOPSEMA is an expansion of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) and regulates safety, environmental management and day-to-day operations of petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities.  NOPTA will make recommendations on offshore titles and administer them.  Both are based in Perth with offices in Melbourne.

 

“The Productivity Commission said more consistent and efficient regulation could potentially bring billions of dollars of benefits for the Australian economy.  At the same time NOPSEMA and NOPTA will give the community greater confidence in an industry that does so much for Australian jobs, exports and prosperity," The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said.