I strongly oppose the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 which would see oil and gas mining and exploration occur across 4,575 square kilometres of coastal territory between Sydney and Newcastle.

The project poses significant risks to the marine environment from oil spills, gas leaks, sound, traffic and physical industrial disturbance.

The opposition introduced a bill to stop the project going ahead however it was not clear that the laws were constitutionally sound, creating serious risks of an overruling by the commonwealth or legal challenge by proponents. We have to get it right if we want to stop the project, so I referred the bill to the planning and environment committee to try to investigate and resolve constitutional concerns. The committee must report back before Parliament rises giving an opportunity to address any concerns and potentially pass legislation before the end of the year > HERE.

My March commitment > HERE. Details about PEP 11 and the campaign to protect the coast > HERE.

Submissions to the inquiry close 31 August > HERE.