LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS IN 2002

Abstract

This paper briefly describes a number of key legal developments in 2002 of significance to the petroleum exploration, development and production industry.

There have been a number of varied legal developments in this field during the past year and this paper is not an exhaustive account of all of them. It does, however, provide an overview of selected developments during 2002 which are noteworthy. In particular:

developments in relation to the Timor Gap;

native title developments (specifically the Ward and Yorta Yorta decisions);

implications arising from the COAG Energy Markets Review; and

various legislative developments.