I recall there was a well called Gnarlyknots drilled way off Ceduna in the Great Australian Bight. It found nothing. I think it's best to assume there won't be any more big oil patches found onshore or offshore. If there are it will be a bonus.

The Federal Libs have perhaps justifably ridiculed Marn's trip to Mecca or wherever it was. However they need to get their story straight. On the one hand they want to abolish means testing of the solar rebate on the other they want to cut fuel excise. They are also creating alarm about the emissions trading scheme. Alas I fear the ETS will be a dog's breakfast of compromises despite two years to get it right. Rudd needs to prepare a future energy paths white paper which is consistent with the ETS. This document should set out policy leanings on a variety of issues such as transport, oil exploration and alternatives, electrical generation and distribution. Instead of which Rudd is making it up as he goes along.