The new body combines the Ministerial Council on Energy and the Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, an organisation that had previously overseen the development of the National Mine Safety Framework, in which the IQA was integrally involved.
According to a press release from the Department of Resources and Energy, SCER will concentrate on:
? Progressing consistent upstream petroleum administration and regulation standards.
? Addressing issues affecting investment in resources exploration and development.
? Developing a nationally consistent approach to clean energy technology.
? Promoting efficient investment in generation and networks.
? Building on Australia?s resilience to energy-supply shocks
The regulation of coal seam gas will be high on the SCER?s agenda, as will the smooth introduction of the carbon tax.
?The resource and energy sectors are the backbone of Australia?s economy and therefore it is essential that the responsible ministers work together in an integrated way to maximise the benefits to the Australian people?, Martin Ferguson AM, the Federal Minister for Resources and Energy and the chairman of SCER, said. ?Effective governance, sound regulation, competitive markets, safe development, new investment, environmental sustainability and energy affordability, all these things benefit the community.?
?
? Sources: Statement by the Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson AM, Creamer Media?s Mining Weekly