COMMITTEES

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (11:56): I move: That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 9 December 2025: The proposed takeover of Santos Limited by the XRG Consortium, with particular reference to: (a) Australia's energy security and control over critical energy assets; (b) the impact on domestic energy prices and the tension between exports and domestic supplies; (c) the implications for the development of new gas fields; (d) the impact on economic sovereignty, diplomatic relations and national security of a foreign government being a major holder of critical energy infrastructure; (e) the impact on emissions and compliance with Australia's climate obligations; (f) decommissioning liabilities of Santos' existing assets; (g) the character of the bidders in the XRG Consortium, with regard to their internal governance and track records; and (h) any other related matters.

Question negatived.