Senator MARGETTS --Has the geoscience research and mapping program done any research and mapping for companies exploring the Timor Sea? I am referring to page 46.

Dr Powell --We have not done any research for companies specifically in the Timor Sea. We have done surveys in the Timor Sea as part of our program of promoting petroleum exploration through the provision of data. Some of that data has been sold to companies who are operating in the Timor Sea.

Senator MARGETTS --Which areas have been involved with this data in the Australian zone of the Timor Sea, the Indonesian zone of the Timor Sea, and the joint zone of cooperation?

Dr Powell --We have not been involved in the Indonesian zone. We have been involved in the Australian zone and in the zone of cooperation and in the adjacent areas.

Senator MARGETTS --Do you have any indication that companies are moving into the production of oil from this sea?

Dr Powell --From the zone of cooperation specifically?

Senator MARGETTS --From either of those: the Australian zone and the zone of cooperation, as a progression from current exploration activities.

Dr Powell --There is a discovery at the Elang well but, as I understand it, its commercial status is not yet determined.

Senator Collins --Mr Chairman, could I just intrude briefly? I am sure the secretary is way ahead of me on this one. Is there any likelihood at all--and I am not concerned if there is not--that we will actually get on to Transport tonight?

CHAIR --There surely is, as far as I am concerned. We will go through until we do it.

Senator Collins --I just do not want to have the officers hanging around any longer tonight.

CHAIR --I agree. I would have sent them home already. We will do it tonight.

Senator MARGETTS --Would this program be involved in research and mapping services to companies, once they had begun production?

Dr Powell --The objective of the continental margins program, with respect to petroleum, is to encourage exploration in new areas. Typically, once an area has become an established exploration area, our program tends to be of less interest, because it is regional in nature and is not related to identification of prospects.

Senator MARGETTS --In relation to the continental margins program of the Australian Geological Survey Organisation, is the department or the government considering a review of the program, in light of the fact that both industry and environmentalists have questioned the value of information emanating from that program?

Dr Powell --The continental margins program had a review about 18 months ago in which there was a positive industry response, in the context of the review of that program and of the funding arrangements at that time. As a result of the cabinet decision regarding the continental margins program, it will be reviewed, along with the rest of the organisation, in time for the 1996-97 budget.

Senator MARGETTS --There is an extra $10 million to be used in this continental margins program. What would that be used for?

Dr Powell --Essentially, the program is a $20 million program. As you may recall, earlier this year the government announced that it was going to introduce legislation that half of that amount would be raised by a levy via offshore operation leases.

Senator MARGETTS --I do remember that.

Dr Powell --That was defeated in the senate and the $10 million identified here is the restoration of that.

Senator MARGETTS --That is in lieu of the levy?

Dr Powell --Yes.

Senator Collins --Defeated by the same people that constantly complain that we are not restraining public spending sufficiently.

Senator MARGETTS --We were not too wrapped in it either. Under the geoscience research and mapping program, with reference to AGSO, what is this extra $8.4 million onto the $46.2 million program. What is that funding to be used for?

Dr Powell --This is the total additional funds, $8.359 million? It mostly comprises the $10 million for the continental margin program plus the adjustments for the sort of end of year carryovers and things of that nature. So the $8.4 million is largely the continental margins program.

Senator MARGETTS --So that is in addition to the $10 million?

Dr Powell --No.

Senator MARGETTS --It is part of that $10 million we were talking about earlier.

Dr Powell --Yes.