Delegation to discuss Montara oil spill continues close cooperation

As part of the ongoing process of cooperation between the Australian and Indonesian Governments following the Montara incident last year, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism will be leading a small delegation of Australian Government officials to Jakarta on 16 December. This delegation will provide the Indonesian Government with further briefing on the Montara Commission of Inquiry report and the Australian Government's draft response.

The Inquiry was set up to investigate the likely causes of the uncontrolled release of oil and gas into the Timor Sea from the Montara Wellhead Platform on 21 August 2009 and make recommendations to the Government on how to prevent future incidents.

Following a period of detailed consideration, the Australian Minister for Energy and Resources, Martin Ferguson, released both the Report of the Montara Commission of Inquiry and the Government’s draft response on 24 November.

The Report contains 100 findings and 105 recommendations, which have implications for government, regulators, and the offshore petroleum industry. The Report recognises that while there is room for some improvements, the Australian regulatory regime is effective.

The Australian Government proposes accepting 92, noting 10, and not accepting three of the Report’s recommendations and has commenced a three month public consultation period on the draft response.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority was in direct contact with Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation throughout the response and the Australian Government has continued to keep the Indonesian Government informed of further developments.

“We have cooperated closely with Indonesia since the spill first commenced in August 2009, both during the initial response phase, which ended with the stemming of leaking oil in November that year, and as Australia has reviewed the events surrounding the spill,” said Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty.

“This delegation will provide the Indonesian Government with further briefing on the Montara Commission of Inquiry report and the Australian Government's draft response. This visit reflects the ongoing close cooperation between both countries on this issue,” he said.

The Report of the Montara Commission of Inquiry and the Australian Government’s draft response can be found at:
http://www.ret.gov.au/Department/responses/montara/Pages/MontaraInquiryResponse.aspx

The Australian Government is aware the Indonesian Government is seeking compensation from the operator of the Montara oil field, PTTEP Australasia. This is a matter between the two parties concerned.

Media Enquiries:
Sanchi Davis (Australian Embassy) Mob. 0811 187 3175