Message from the Chief Executive

The final issue of the Regulator for 2021 heralds the festive break and, for many of us, time for rest and relaxation with our family and friends. At NOPSEMA, it also marks the end of a busy and eventful year.

This year we worked hard to ensure duty holders were complying with their decommissioning obligations. We released several guidance documents outlining our approach to how we intended to bring industry into compliance. We also took appropriate and proportionate enforcement action where needed, for example to bring multiple non-producing facilities in Bass Strait back into compliance. In 2022, trailing liability will commence and this means NOPSEMA will have the power to call back previous titleholders to undertake decommissioning where the current or former titleholder cannot.

During the year, NOPSEMA’s inspections have continued to indicate that the industry has appropriate and reasonable arrangements in place for managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Nevertheless, NOPSEMA identified that the industry could be doing more in managing the related longer-term mental health effects to the offshore workforce. COVID-19 travel restrictions have meant that many workers are spending time in isolation, working longer swing patterns and dealing with extended separations from their loved ones. These challenges can lead to psychological distress or injury and contribute to accidents and dangerous occurrences. To assist the industry, NOPSEMA recently published guidance for psychosocial risk management and will continue to monitor this issue into 2022.

A common misconception of NOPSEMA’s independence is that it precludes dialogue with our stakeholders. Effective regulation, in fact, depends on meaningful communication and engagement. A good example of this is the survey NOPSEMA undertook at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey asked facility operators what they were doing to manage the health risks posed by virus. The responses, with examples of better practice, were published and shared with the industry to promote improved outcomes. We are now undertaking a second survey in recognition of Australia’s transition toward a ‘new normal’ of living with COVID-19. This survey provides NOPSEMA with an opportunity to identify and share better practices for managing the ongoing health risks of the virus.

This year, NOPSEMA continued to participate in the International Offshore Petroleum Environment Regulators group, the International Regulators Forum and the Global Offshore Wind Regulators forum. Engagement with our international regulatory counterparts provides NOPSEMA with access to leading regulatory practise. It allows for the sharing of insights, benchmarking of performance and discussions on how new technology or approaches to regulation can support better practice.

A key milestone for NOPSEMA this year is the expansion of our remit to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy and offshore electricity infrastructure. NOPSEMA was identified as the Regulator for this sector following the recent passing of the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill. I welcome this decision as it recognises NOPSEMA’s existing expertise and experience in the regulation of large scale, technically complex offshore energy infrastructure activities. The decision is also consistent with the approach adopted in leading international jurisdictions where the remits of many similar regulators have been extended to include oversight of offshore electricity. 

In reflecting on 2021, I want to acknowledge the professional and diligent efforts of NOPSEMA’s staff, the support of our Ministers and the NOPSEMA Advisory Board, and the considerable efforts of industry, the workforce and the community to ensure sound safety, well integrity and environmental outcomes. I am proud of our achievements to date and committed to ensuring NOPSEMA continues to be well placed to respond to future challenges. I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.