Regulation

Regulation of our resources industry

In Western Australia, key State, Federal and Local Government agencies play a part in regulating and influencing the resources industry.

State Government

The following departments help regulate the industry:

Department of Mines and Petroleum

This department is responsible for ensuring the State’s resources sector is developed and managed responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of all Western Australians. As the State’s regulator for extractive industries and dangerous goods, the department is the lead agency administering a multi-agency regulatory framework for safety, health and environmental standards. The department also provides geological data and innovative management of an equitable and secure titles system to ensure Western Australia continues to be an attractive destination for investment, and provides development of the resources sector which underpins the State’s economy.

Department of State Development

This department provides leadership to drive responsible development for Western Australia's future.

Working closely with industry, communities and government agencies, the department coordinates the development of major resource, industrial and infrastructure projects and works to attract strategic investment.

The department negotiates and guides agreements made between the government and major project proponents, and coordinates government processes for major projects that qualify for assistance. It also project manages approvals in land tenure, Native Title and heritage, environment and planning for major government infrastructure initiatives.

Other key State departments involved with the sector include:

The Office of Environmental Protection Authority is also involved with regulating the resources sector.

Federal Government

The following departments help regulate the industry:

Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

This department is committed to creating a policy framework to expand Australia's resource base, increase the international competitiveness of the sector, and improve the regulatory regime.

National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA)

This agency was established in 2012 and administers titles, undertakes data and resource management, and provides technical advice for petroleum exploration in Commonwealth Waters.

National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA)

This agency regulates health and safety, well integrity and environmental management for all offshore petroleum facilities and activities in Commonwealth Waters and in coastal waters where State functions have been conferred.

Local Government

There are 139 Local Government agencies in the State, which can influence resources projects within their jurisdictions to ensure local communities benefit. Local Government agencies have a range of functions, powers and responsibilities at their disposal for the development and implementation of relevant resources-related policies and programs within their jurisdictions.