Independent reviews

Independent operational review

Every five years, NOPSEMA is subject to an independent operational review of its regulatory performance and its performance as the sole environment regulator in Commonwealth waters.

To date, two reviews have been undertaken including the operational review of NOPSEMA in 2015 and the operational review of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSEMA's predecessor).

EPBC streamlining review

An independent EPBC Act streamlining review is a requirement of the administrative arrangements of NOPSEMA’s endorsement as sole environment regulator for oil and gas activities in Commonwealth waters.

To date, only one review has been undertaken, the EPBC Act Streamlining Review in 2015. Future reviews are to be incorporate into the five-yearly operational review.

Independent audit of NOPSEMA’s consideration of exploration in the Great Australian Bight

The Chief Scientist's Independent audit of NOPSEMA’s consideration of exploration in the Great Australian Bight was released on 20 September 2019. NOPSEMA published a table of actions in its NOPSEMA response to Chief Scientist Audit (PDF 185KB).