Senator STOTT DESPOJA (10:51 PM) —I have another question to put to the minister. At the committee on Monday night, I asked about the issuing of new exploration licences. I thank officials for the response, but I just want some clarification. My understanding is that, since the IUA in March 2003, Australia has unilaterally granted at least two—not one, but two—exploration licences in areas of the Timor Sea neighbouring Greater Sunrise. The permit numbers that I have here are permit NT/P65 on 22 April 2003 and permit NT/P68 on 23 February 2004.

First of all, I ask the minister to confirm whether or not that is indeed the case. I can certainly see one of his advisers nodding. Clearly, the government considers this to be appropriate, but I wonder if the government acknowledges whether there is room for that kind of unilateral activity to be considered as showing poor faith, certainly not good faith. Is it the government's understanding that under international law we are obliged to refrain from unilateral exploitation in areas where there may be overlapping claims? Is that indeed our obligation under international law? What is the government's response to that?