Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE)

Q. Mr. Berger (Commission): Do you recall my putting to both Mr Marozzi and Mr Whitfield a commentary on Mr Marozzi’s evidence to the effect that it was not a good day for the Northern Territory?
A. Mr. Trier (NT DoR) Yes.
Q. Having sat through Mr Marozzi’s evidence and the other evidence that you have heard in the Inquiry, you would agree with that assessment, wouldn’t you?
A. Yes, I agree
Q. That would be fairly sobering evidence, I take it, for you to hear, given your role within the department?
A. I am not trying to be smart. That’s an understatement.

Comment: Mr. Trier and Mr. Whitfield, senior managers with the Northern Territory Department of Resources, demonstrated the approach that managers should take when their organization is partially or fully accountable for a major accident – be contrite, promise changes, and seek external guidance.  The Montara blowout was a pollution spectacular that reflects poorly on all of us.  While assigning blame, we should make sure that our own houses are in order and that we are doing everything we can to prevent a recurrence – anywhere in the world.

Q. Berger: You also heard evidence that Mr Marozzi considered PTT one of the less risky, or safest, operators that he was dealing with; do you remember that evidence?
A.  Trier: Yes, I do.

Comment: I wonder what the other NT operators think about that statement?  How would you like to be like to be ranked below PTTEP?

Other comments:

1. While some of the PTTEP witnesses appear to get it, the official company position still seems to be that it’s okay to withhold internal reports, that corrosion caps are equivalent to cement plugs and packers, and that barrier policies are fluid and negotiable.
2. It seems that the current NT regime allows operators to specify how they will submit data.  Assuming information is only required for important resource, safety, or environmental management purposes, submission requirements should, in my view, be as prescriptive as possible (even in a goal-setting regime).  How else can the responsible agency compile data, assess trends, and conduct comparative analyses?
3. According to the testimony, a governmental auditing agency identified staffing and resource needs in the NT DoR.  While this may be the case for DoR, what percentage of internal government audits draw similar conclusions?  How many of these audits find that you have sufficient resources, and that they are appropriately managed and distributed?  None that I’ve ever seen.
4. The hearings close tomorrow.  Who’s hosting the party?  Can we participate online? 🙂