Camera IconCredit: Supplied

Chief Scientist Alan Finkel in Adelaide to investigate Bight oil drilling decisions

Jade GailbergerThe Advertiser

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South Australian organisations will have the chance to raise their concerns about NOPSEMA’s decisions regarding drilling in the Great Australian Bight with the nation’s chief scientist.

Dr Alan Finkel, who is conducting an “intense” investigation into the independent agency, is in Adelaide today to consult with groups including state and Commonwealth agencies.

He will on Wednesday visit Port Lincoln to meet with stakeholders such as fishing associations, community groups, and traditional owners.

“We are in the early stages of a fairly short process,” Dr Finkel said.

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“My impression is that NOPSEMA is an effective, responsible agency.”

His visit is part of a week-long consultation across four southern coast states, for his review of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority’s (NOPSEMA) assessment and decision making regarding exploration in the Bight.

Drone footage of Bunda Cliffs in the Great Australian Bight.
Camera IconDrone footage of Bunda Cliffs in the Great Australian Bight. Credit: Supplied, Greenpeace

Dr Finkel, who described himself as being in “absorption mode”, said the purpose of the consultation was to see where stakeholders saw limitations in NOPSEMA’s processes.

Though he said it was “too soon” for him to pass judgment.

The audit honours a pre-election commitment by the Coalition, which made the undertaking in the final days of the campaign, after Labor promised the same thing.

It is also being held in tandem with NOPSEMA’s assessment of Norwegian company Equinor’s plans for drilling in the Bight.

Chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel.
Camera IconChief scientist Dr Alan Finkel. Credit: News Corp Australia, Kym Smith

Dr Finkel who has completed several government reviews in the past three years said this audit was unlike any other.

“This is truly interesting,” he said.

“This is shorter, and sharper, and more specific than the kinds of things that I’ve done before.”

A taskforce of four full-time staff helping him complete the audit which is due to be reported to Resources Minister Matt Canavan, and Environment Minister Sussan Ley by late August.

It is at the ministers’ discretion to make the report public.