The Australian Greens said today that South Australian hearings for the Senate Inquiry into income inequality will focus on issues affecting equality in the state, including the impact of the Government's budget on the most vulnerable members of the community.

The Committee is chaired by Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, who initiated the Inquiry.

The Australian Greens say closer review of Bight Petroleum’s plans to explore for oil off Kangaroo Island will make it clear the action poses an unacceptable risk to the environment and the Island’s future.

Environment Minister Tony Burke has declared seismic testing off the coast of Kangaroo Island a controlled action, meaning that the project will require appropriate assessment and approval from the Commonwealth Government. 

Australian Greens Marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert says allowing oil and gas exploration off the coast of South Australia's Kangaroo Island would contradict other Government environmental programs and put endangered animals at risk.

Environment Minister Tony Burke is expected to announce his decision on a proposal to commence seismic testing at the Kangaroo Island Canyon and Pools this week. Bight Petroleum intends to undertake seismic tests in the coming months and start drilling in 2014.

Australian Greens Senators Penny Wright and Rachel Siewert are calling on Minister Burke to reject Bight Petroleum's application to conduct seismic testing off the west coast of the island.

"Seismic testing around Kangaroo Island has unacceptable environmental risks no matter what time of year," Senator Wright said.

The Australian Greens have called for an end to the scaremongering around the Government's marine plans, saying more attention needs to be paid to the real elephant in the room - the free ride given to the oil and gas industry.

"Minister Burke has stated that less than 1 per cent of GVP will be lost to the fishing industry as a result of the marine plans recently announced," Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens marine spokesperson said today.