HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CANBERRA

Monday, 3 March 1997

Present

Mr Reid (Chair)

Mr ForrestMr Allan Morris

Ms GambaroMr O'Connor

Mr JenkinsMr Zammit

Mrs Johnston

The committee met at 9.15 a.m.

Mr Reid took the chair.

CHAIR--I welcome witnesses and observers to this second public hearing of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology for its inquiry into Australian industry participation in major projects, focusing on the North West Shelf project. In January the committee inspected Woodside's facilities at Karrawatha and the North Rankin gas platform. At its public hearings in Perth the committee heard evidence from relevant Western Australian government departments, unions and Woodside and other Perth-based organisations.

Today, the committee will take evidence from the Heavy Engineering Manufacturers Association, the Australian International Projects Group, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, the Institute of Engineers Australia, the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association Limited, ISONet, the Department of Primary Industries and Energy and also the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism.

Committee proceedings are recognised as proceedings of the parliament and warrant the same respect as proceedings in the House of Representatives itself demand. Witnesses are protected by parliamentary privilege in respect of the evidence they give before the committee. You will not be asked to take an oath or make an affirmation. You are reminded, however, that false evidence given to a parliamentary committee may be regarded as a contempt of parliament.

The committee prefers that all evidence be given in public, but should you at any stage wish to give evidence in private, you may ask to do so and the committee will give consideration to your request.