Senator ABETZ (Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) (3:01 PM) —I have an answer for Senator Siewert in relation to the matter that she raised during question time. Woodside’s proposed Pluto project, including onshore and offshore construction, was referred under the EPBC Act. In deciding whether or not to approve the project, the minister will take into account any conditions placed on the project by the Western Australian environment minister.

The minister has recently received applications for both emergency and long-term protection under sections 9 and 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act in relation to site B on the Burrup, part of the Woodside Pluto gas project. The minister will of course give careful consideration to their application according to law. In the case of the section 10 application for long-term protection, this will include considering a report from an independent person on the matters required under the act.