On 16 September 2019, the Senate referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 14 May 2020:
The impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment, with particular reference to:
- the body of science and research into the use of seismic testing;
- the regulation of seismic testing in both Commonwealth and state waters;
- the approach taken to seismic testing internationally; and
- any other related matters
The closing date for submissions is 21 November 2019.
On 14 November 2019, the Committee agreed to extend the closing date for submissions to 16 December 2019.
The committee has postponed its public hearing which was scheduled to take place in Terrigal on Tuesday 17 March 2020 into the impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment.
On 26 March 2020, the reporting date was extended from 14 May 2020 to the second sitting Wednesday of 2021.
On 11 December 2020, the reporting date was extended to 1 March 2021.
On 9 February 2021, the reporting date was extended from 1 March 2021 to 21 May 2021.
On 21 May 2021, the Committee presented a progress report recommending that the Senate grant an extension of time to report until 10 June 2021.