Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

The Act aims to provide an effective regulatory framework for petroleum exploration and recovery, and the exploration for potential GHG storage formations, injection and storage of GHG substances in offshore areas (Commonwealth waters). The Act provides a comprehensive national framework for offshore petroleum exploration and GHG storage activities, as these are managed jointly by the relevant State and Commonwealth agencies.

The Act designates a 'Joint Authority' for each offshore area, which are responsible for implementing the Act. The Joint Authorities typically comprise the responsible State Minister and the responsible Commonwealth Minister.The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) is the national regulator responsible for administration of occupational health and safety provisions, structural integrity (wells and facilities) provisions, and environmental management provisions for all petroleum activities, and for occupational health and safety for persons engaged in offshore GHG storage activities. The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA or the Titles Administrator),advises the Joint Authorities on key decisions and is responsible for keeping registers of titles and data and information management.

The Act was most recently amended by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Compliance Measures No. 2) Act 2013.