Joint media release with the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction the Hon Angus Taylor MP

The Morrison Government doubles down its support for renewables and new opportunities for Australians with today’s release for public consultation of draft regulations for the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure (OEI) framework.

Australia’s first OEI framework, enabled by legislation introduced by the Morrison Government in late 2021, will enable the development of offshore electricity infrastructure, including offshore wind and electricity transmission projects, in Commonwealth waters. 

The framework reflects the Morrison Government’s strong support for Australia’s offshore electricity industry and is a critical part of ensuring our nation takes full advantage of our abundant sources of renewable energy. 

“Today’s release of the supporting regulations for the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure legislative framework marks an important next step in supporting a new offshore industry in Australia,” Minister Taylor said.

“This will create a range of important new opportunities, particularly in our regions, by enhancing the delivery of affordable reliable power and creating thousands of new jobs.” 

“It will accelerate a number of projects already under development such as Star of the South and the Marinus Link transmission line, which will connect the mainland to Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project.”

“The Morrison Government is getting on with the job of supporting new industries, enabling more renewables, delivering investment in transmission where it stacks up and getting more affordable, reliable power into our energy system.”

Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said last year the Morrison Government delivered key legislation to develop an offshore wind industry and other electricity infrastructure, as the next technology leap toward carbon neutrality by 2050. 

“The Morrison Government is launching the regulatory framework for a whole new source of energy that will help deliver cheaper electricity, more jobs and development in our regions,” Mr Wilson said.

“We want feedback from the sector so that the OEI framework can provide clarity and certainty to investors wanting to build Australia’s offshore energy future to deliver for households, workers, and industrial consumers,” Assistant Minister Wilson said. 

“Only the Morrison Government is positioning Australia for success by backing renewables that will support our industries into the future. Labor wants to diminish consumer choice and impose an electricity tax by stealth.”

The draft OEI regulations set out crucial arrangements to allow the framework to become operational, including the licencing scheme, fees and levies. 

The public consultation will be open from 22 March until 22 April 2022. Have your say here: https://consult.industry.gov.au/oeif-regulations-and-cost-recovery

More information about the framework is available at: www.industry.gov.au/regulations-and-standards/regulating-offshore-renewable-energy

Media contact: 

Assistant Minister Wilson’s office 02 6277 2392