DISR releases consultation paper to improve decommissioning and financial assurance arrangements

The Australian Government has published a consultation paper seeking feedback on reforms to decommissioning and financial assurance arrangements for the offshore oil and gas industry. 

While the paper focuses mainly on oil and gas projects, it is also seeking input on the regulatory regime for decommissioning greenhouse gas storage projects (commonly known as carbon capture and storage). 

The consultation paper proposes reforms in areas including decommissioning planning, financial planning and assurance, decommissioning and financial capacity risk assessments, compliance and enforcement tools and title surrender. Feedback to the consultation paper is now open and will close on 13 January 2026.

To read the consultation paper and provide feedback please visit consult.industry.gov.au.