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Petroleum Act 1984
89LDirections by inspectors
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89L Directions by inspectors
(1) An inspector may issue a direction to an interest holder to do any of
the following:
(a) take action to prevent, minimise, manage or remediate:
(i) environmental harm including by rehabilitating any
aspect of the environment; or
(ii) harm to a person, property or infrastructure, or any
potential harm (including the risk of harm and future
harm) to or potential adverse effect on a person,
property or infrastructure; or
(iii) a situation that is compromising, or may compromise,
the integrity of any infrastructure or operating system;
(b) take action that is in accordance with good oilfield practice;
(c) take action for a purpose that is connected with, or ancillary to,
action directed under paragraph (a) or (b).
(2) A direction under this section must specify the grounds on which it
is issued.
(3) A direction under this section must state that the interest holder
may apply to the Tribunal for review of the decision to issue the
(4) A direction under this section may impose any requirement
reasonably required for the purpose for which the direction is
issued, including one or more of the following requirements:
(a) a requirement that the interest holder discontinue, or not
commence, a specified activity indefinitely or for a specified
period or until further notice from an inspector or the CEO;
Petroleum Act 1984 101
(b) a requirement that the interest holder not carry on a specified
activity except subject to specified conditions;
(c) a requirement that the interest holder take specified action in a
specified way, and within a specified period or at specified
times, or in specified circumstances (including a requirement
that a specified work practice be altered or discontinued).
(5) A direction must allow a reasonable time for compliance with the
(6) A direction may be given orally but must be confirmed by written
notice to the person as soon as practicable.
(7) An inspector may, by written notice given to the interest holder to
whom a direction under this section is issued, vary or revoke the
(8) A direction given under this section:
(a) applies to the interest holder and may also be expressed to
apply to an employee, agent or contractor of the interest
holder; and
(b) may be given to an interest holder by giving it to an employee,
agent or contractor of the interest holder.
(9) If a direction is expressed to apply to an employee, agent or
contractor of the interest holder, a reference in subsection (1) or (4)
to an interest holder extends to the other person or persons to
whom the direction applies.