❓ Mr. Day questions the Minister for Energy regarding a potential conflict of interest in having NOPSA investigate the Varanus Island gas explosion, given their prior oversight role. The Minister defends NOPSA's role and criticizes the opposition's lack of expertise.
AnsweredQoN 347Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
APACHE ENERGY GAS PLANT EXPLOSION — NATIONAL OFFSHORE PETROLEUM SAFETY AUTHORITY INQUIRY 347. Mr J.H.D. DAY to the Minister for Energy: I refer to the minister’s previous answers in which he makes it clear that the Department of Industry and Resources had contracted the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority to oversee pipeline integrity at the Varanus Island facility and that NOPSA is responsible for conducting the investigation into the recent gas explosion at the facility. (1) Is the minister not concerned by the apparent conflict of interest created by having the same body investigate an explosion at the very facility the safety of which it was contracted to oversee? (2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
APACHE ENERGY GAS PLANT EXPLOSION — NATIONAL OFFSHORE PETROLEUM SAFETY AUTHORITY INQUIRY
SAFETY AUTHORITY INQUIRY
I refer to the minister’s previous answers in which he makes it clear that the Department of Industry and Resources had contracted the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority to oversee pipeline integrity at the Varanus Island facility and that NOPSA is responsible for conducting the investigation into the recent gas explosion at the facility. (1) Is the minister not concerned by the apparent conflict of interest created by having the same body investigate an explosion at the very facility the safety of which it was contracted to oversee? (2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
(1) Is the minister not concerned by the apparent conflict of interest created by having the same body investigate an explosion at the very facility the safety of which it was contracted to oversee? (2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
(2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
(1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
APACHE ENERGY GAS PLANT EXPLOSION — NATIONAL OFFSHORE PETROLEUM SAFETY AUTHORITY INQUIRY
SAFETY AUTHORITY INQUIRY
I refer to the minister’s previous answers in which he makes it clear that the Department of Industry and Resources had contracted the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority to oversee pipeline integrity at the Varanus Island facility and that NOPSA is responsible for conducting the investigation into the recent gas explosion at the facility. (1) Is the minister not concerned by the apparent conflict of interest created by having the same body investigate an explosion at the very facility the safety of which it was contracted to oversee? (2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
(1) Is the minister not concerned by the apparent conflict of interest created by having the same body investigate an explosion at the very facility the safety of which it was contracted to oversee? (2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
(2) Would it not be preferable for an independent body to be undertaking this investigation? Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Mr F.M. LOGAN replied: (1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
(1)-(2) I find the question incredible. The member for Darling Range refers to the work of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and its investigatory role. That is what it does all around the country, on offshore facilities and some parts of onshore facilities, where they relate specifically to occupational health and safety and any impact of those facilities on people working in them. NOPSA also does some integrity work on behalf of the Western Australian government, contracted out through the Department of Industry and Resources. That is what it does. When there is an incident, NOPSA is called in to do the investigation. It has been carrying out significant investigations on offshore facilities in Western Australia for the past two years, particularly on one floating production, storage and off take vessel that has experienced a number of incidents. NOPSA is required by law to do that investigation. The opposition is trying to build up a conspiracy, that somehow the department has failed in what it is supposed to be doing, with all the statements about what has happened to the pipeline. The PerthNow website contains some crazy statements about the integrity of the facilities. Let us go back to basics for two seconds. What happened? We all know what happened—the pipeline blew up. It was not a flange or a weld; the actual structure of the pipeline let go. We know what happened. We were there on site, and the media were there and were shown very clearly what had happened. The 30-centimetre pipeline ruptured and blew up all the other pipes. That is what happened. Finding out why the pipeline ruptured is the work that is being undertaken right now by NOPSA. On the opposition benches a copper, a dentist, a bus driver, a veterinarian and a couple of doctors — Several members interjected. Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Mr T. Buswell : And a union thug from Swanbourne. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : That was very unwise, Leader of the Opposition, unless you wish to go home early. You are about to if you keep that up. That is what happens when people think they can all interject at once. It is not your role, and I suggest you desist. While I am on my feet, I call to order the Leader of the Opposition for the third time, the member for Capel for the first time, and the member for Murray for the second time. Minister, please draw your answer to a close. Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Mr F.M. LOGAN : The most amazing thing is that all these people are giving out engineering advice about something they know nothing about. They criticise my mechanical engineering background, and the fact that I used to work on turbines and with equipment like that at the facility, and say “What would you know?” These hands have worked on those types of things, and I know a lot more about them than the opposition does. Unlike the soft-handed types on the other side of the chamber, I know a lot more about this issue and about the mechanical engineering that supports the infrastructure at Varanus Island. The investigation comes down now to metallurgical forensic testing, and that is what is being done. Let the investigators get on with the job and do the report, and then let us see what the report says. Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Unfortunately, the member for Avon did not take heed of my warning, so he is called to order for the first time.
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