Petroleum Act 1923

The Minister may, by notice (a report requirement), require a 1923 Act petroleum tenure holder to lodge a written report (a commercial viability report) about all or a stated part of the tenure’s area if—

the holder is not producing petroleum in the area or stated part; and

the Minister is of the opinion that—

it may be commercially viable to produce petroleum in the area or stated part; or

it may, within the next 15 years, be commercially viable to produce petroleum in the area or stated part.

The notice must state each of the following—

the Minister’s opinion under subsection (1)(b)(i) or (ii);

the facts and circumstances forming the basis for the opinion;

that the Minister requires the holder to give the Minister a commercial viability report about the area;

a reasonable period for giving the report.