(Business of the House, 29 June 2023, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I move:

That standing and sessional orders be suspended to provide for the following routine of business for the remainder of this sitting day:

(1)The moving of a motion for which notice has not been given to refer the Minerals Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition) Bill to the Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment and Planning for inquiry and report.

(2)Debate to proceed on the referral motion, and at 3.00 p.m., if not completed prior, the question on the referral motion will be put.

(3)The introduction and second reading speech of the member for Murray for the Water Management Amendment (Transfer of Water) Bill.

(4)Consideration of General Business Orders of the Day or Notices of Motion (not being bills) for up to 70 minutes.

(5)Any business before the House to be interrupted as required at:

(a)11.00 a.m. for Question Time and the routine of business;

(b)At 1:30 p.m. for the Speaker to leave the Chair, with the Speaker to resume the Chair at 2.30 p.m.; and

(c)At 4.00 p.m., for the petition debate.

(6)Community recognition statements for up to 30 minutes.

(7)Private Members' Statements.

(8)Adjournment without motion moved.

This motion ensures that all members who had private members' business today will be able to have that dealt with and that there will be debate on the Minerals Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition) Bill 2023 now and when the legislation returns from the committee process. I make it clear that I support the legislation, which aims to stop oil and gas mining and exploration access across our beautiful and fragile coastline, but I want to make sure that it does not get overridden by the Federal Government or rendered invalid by a constitutional challenge.

When I proposed similar legislation at the beginning of the year, I was aware of potential constitutional conflicts that needed to be dealt with before the bill could proceed. My bill would have only dealt with onshore activities; the proposed bill also deals with offshore activities. I have negotiated with Government and crossbench members to establish a committee to look at the bill and at the best way to kill Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 [PEP 11], whether it is through this bill, an amended version or other mechanisms. The committee will have access to the best legal advice to ensure this can be done in an incontestable way. Supporters of the reform proposed by the member for Pittwater should not be disappointed; they should be encouraged that this Parliament is working together to stop PEP 11.

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