The Australian Greens are maintaining pressure on the Government to promptly release the findings of the Montara Commission of Inquiry, after Resource Minister Martin Ferguson today only committing to releasing the report by the end of 2010.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson for Marine Issues, says further delays to releasing the report are unsatisfactory.

“Effective changes to the regulation of the resources sector can not be made until the Montara findings are made public,” Senator Siewert said today.

The Australian Greens say the reappointed Minister for Resources, Martin Ferguson should start his new term by releasing the Montara Commission of Inquiry report and getting on with oil and gas regulation reform.

Greens Marine spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert says the Government must finally release the Montara report- three months after receiving it.

The Australian Greens say growing concerns about the long term survival of mammal species in Northern Australia highlights the need for a new approach to conservation and protection.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson for Natural Resource Management says the Greens Northern Australia Mammal Protection Plan, launched during the 2010 election campaign, can play an integral role in mammal conservation.

The Australian Greens will push for tough new regulations for the oil and gas industry, including a comprehensive polluter pays regime, to reduce the risk of catastrophic oil spills off Australian coastlines.

Announcing a new protection plan with Senator for Western Australia Rachel Siewert in Perth today, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said the nation’s coastlines, unique species and marine industries are exposed by the current weak regulations.

Senator SIEWERT (2.52 pm)—My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Senator Wong.

The Greens are calling on the Federal Government to rescind the recent announcements on oil and gas exploration off the Australian coast in light of the ongoing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the Montara oil spill off Western Australia.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia has used Senate Estimates to confirm that the Government has no plans to delay or stop further releases in light of recent events.

The Australian Greens have joined environment groups and local residents in denouncing the Federal Government’s decision to include two areas off WA’s South West coast among 31 new oil and gas exploration leases announced today under the 2010 Offshore Petroleum Acreage Releases.

“It is incomprehensible that the Government would allow oil and gas exploration in this beautiful and unique part of WA,” Australian Greens Marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert said.

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia) (10.11 am)—I move: That the Senate—