About the review
In accordance with Section 695 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, (OPGGSA), a panel of experts with backgrounds drawn from across industry, government and corporate sectors undertook a review the operations of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA).
The review commenced on 15 July 2011, and examined NOPSA’s activities and legislated functions including engagement with stakeholders, particularly in relation to safety case development and early engagement with operators. The Report was tabled in Parliament on 8 December 2011.
NOPSA Operational Reviews have been undertaken every three years. This is the second Review Report. Following the proclamation of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (National Regulator) Act 2011 on 7 December 2011, NOPSA has transitioned to NOPSEMA, with additional responsibilities for environmental management, from 1 January 2012.
The first review of NOPSEMA (in 2014) will relate to the three-year period beginning 1 January 2012. Subsequent reviews will relate to successive five-year periods.
Further details on the Review Report, including the Terms of Reference, submissions and information on the Review Panel can be accessed at the NOPSA review website.
The government responded to the 2011 NOPSA Operational Review in May 2012, following consultation with NOPSEMA, and those organisations that provided submissions to the Review Panel. The Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, released the Final Government Response on 25 May 2012.
In its response, the government has considered and accepted all of the Review Panel’s Recommendations. Implementation of many of the recommendations will be the responsibility of NOPSEMA, with a number to be jointly implemented by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and NOPSEMA. A comprehensive implementation plan accompanies the final response, and outlines the timeframe for implementing the accepted recommendations to the Review.
Related documents
Related pages
More information
For more information about offshore petroleum safety, see Offshore Petroleum Safety Regulation Inquiry and operational reviews of NOPSA or Offshore petroleum safety.