Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union (CFMEU), Maritime Division, & Construction Divisions. (2023). Submission to the draft policy and guidelines: Decommissioning of petroleum and geothermal energy property, equipment and infrastructure in Western Australian onshore areas and state coastal waters [Submission to the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety]
This joint submission from the Maritime Union of Australia and the Construction Divisions of the CFMEU was made to the Western Australian Government as part of the state’s policy process for decommissioning in onshore areas and state coastal waters.
It reflects the unions’ routine engagement across both state and Commonwealth frameworks to maintain a consistent position on decommissioning obligations.
The submission’s central concern is that Western Australia has declined to adopt trailing liability, creating a significant risk that operators can avoid long‑term responsibility and leave future clean‑up costs and risks with workers, communities and the State, rather than the companies that profited from the assets.