Bill
Protecting the Spirit of Sea Country Bill 2023
lapsed, as at 2025-07-21.
- Sponsor
- Dorinda Cox
- Portfolio
- Not recorded
Recorded stages
- introduced — 2023-08-08
- second reading — 2023-08-08
- other — 2025-07-21
Divisions
No divisions recorded. Most questions are decided on the voices; this does not establish that a bill was unopposed.
Plain-language summary
Written by a model from the explanatory memorandum; not the record, as at 2023-08-08.
The bill would require offshore oil and gas companies to consult Traditional Owners before submitting project proposals.
It would add First Nations communities and knowledge holders to the legal definition of 'Relevant Person' and create mandatory consultation standards.
The bill responds to a court case where Santos was found not legally required to consult Traditional Owners about a pipeline through their sea country.
- Expands the definition of 'Relevant Person' to include Traditional Owners and knowledge holders.
- Requires the creation of consultation standards for offshore projects.
- Mandates that underwater and intangible cultural heritage be identified in project proposals and environment plans.
- Requires evaluation of impacts, risks, and alternative options for offshore projects.
Traditional Owners and First Nations communities, fossil fuel companies, and the offshore petroleum industry.
Sources
em
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