Key Points:
The Northern Territory Government has passed a Bill to
amend the Petroleum Act to allow the Minister for Mines and Energy
to exercise discretion and make decisions about matters relating to
the protection of the environment.
On 26 May 2016, the NT Legislative Assembly passed the Petroleum
Amendment Bill 2016 which will allow for regulations to be made
under the Act for the protection of the environment that
prescribe:
- the functions and powers of the Minister; and
- the way in which the Minister may perform those functions and
exercise those powers, including the exercise of his
discretion.
Regulations for the environment
Regulations can be made under the Petroleum Act in relation to
the protection of the environment and people who have lawful access
to the exploration permit or licence area (amongst other things).
Accordingly, the NT Government released its
draft Petroleum (Environment) Regulations for consultation on 5
March 2016, with
