The House of Representatives Industry and Resources Committee is conducting an inquiry examining impediments to increasing investment in mineral and petroleum exploration in Australia.

Matters being addressed by the inquiry include: An assessment of Australia's resource endowment and the rates at which it is being drawn down; The structure of the industry and role of small companies in resource exploration in Australia; Impediments to accessing capital, particularly by small companies; Access to land including Native Title and Cultural Heritage issues; Environmental and other approval processes, including across jurisdictions; Public provision of geoscientific data; Relationships with indigenous communities; and Contributions to regional development.

Witnesses appearing will be: Woodside Energy; Chevron Texaco; BHP Billiton Petroleum; Rio Tinto Exploration; Metex Resources Ltd; Association of Mining and Exploration Companies Inc; Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA; WA Government; Australian Stock Exchange and State One Stockbroking Ltd.

A number of these submissions have already been made public on the committee's website at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/isr/resexp/submissions.htm

The Inquiry is being held at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, Level 39, 2 The Esplanade, Exchange Plaza, Perth.