Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) 2024

# Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) 2024 ## What it does This updates the rules for offshore oil and gas drilling and carbon storage projects in Australian waters. It tightens safety requirements, clarifies how these operations fit with other maritime laws, and makes some technical fixes to how the regulator can enforce compliance. ## Why it matters Offshore drilling involves serious risks—equipment failures can cause environmental damage and endanger workers. These changes mean stricter safety standards and clearer enforcement powers, which should reduce accidents and improve how regulators respond when things go wrong. ## Key details - **Safety first**: The bill imports maritime workplace safety standards into offshore petroleum operations, meaning workers get the same protections as other maritime workers. - **Enforcement tools**: Regulators get new "remedial directions" powers—basically, if something's unsafe or non-compliant, they can order operators to fix it directly rather than waiting for court action. - **Timing**: Most safety changes take effect within 12 months (by proclamation), while some approval and maritime coordination changes come into force immediately or within 6 months.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament