CODA has released a new report examining the regulatory frameworks governing offshore and onshore oil and gas decommissioning in Australia.
Australia’s Oil and Gas Decommissioning Regulatory Landscape examines the regulatory landscape governing decommissioning in Australia, considering international obligations, Commonwealth legislation, and regulations across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. It reflects a system shaped by layered and sometimes overlapping legislation, alongside evolving expectations.
As decommissioning activity increases across Australia, the report highlights the growing pressure on regulatory systems that were largely designed to support exploration and production. Industry consultation confirms that navigating this complex, multi-layered landscape can present challenges.
The report draws on detailed regulatory mapping and targeted stakeholder consultation with representatives from government, regulators, titleholders, and the supply chain. These insights have been used to identify key themes and practical opportunities to improve coordination, streamline approvals, and enhance clarity across the regulatory landscape.
The findings reinforce the importance of more aligned and efficient regulatory pathways to support safe, timely, and effective decommissioning outcomes at scale. This includes opportunities to improve collaboration between agencies, strengthen guidance materials, and better support industry understanding of regulatory requirements.
CODA CEO Francis Norman said the report provides a foundation for ongoing regulatory evolution as decommissioning activity continues to grow.
“Decommissioning at scale is still relatively new in Australia, and all stakeholders are continuing to build capability as the industry evolves. This report brings together industry experience and regulatory insight to highlight where the current system is working well, and where there are opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, and efficiency.”
The report was developed with support from Kent PLC, who led the regulatory mapping component, alongside input from a broad range of industry and regulatory stakeholders who contributed their time and experience throughout the consultation process.
For a more detailed insight into the report, we invite you to explore the publicly available report.
