Oil safety training programmes could be extended in Australia as the country looks to learn lessons from last year's spill and rig fire at the Montara well in the Timor Sea, a report says.

Industry resource provider Platts notes that steps are already being taken to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents taking place.

Such initiatives include active participation in the development of new international competency standards, the news provider said, citing chief executive of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Belinda Robinson.

Speaking at the association's annual conference, she reportedly said companies are "reviewing practices and operations to ensure confidence in the industry's safety and environmental performance".

Efforts to improve industry training are not the only steps being taken to improve safety. A review of minimum requirements on the testing and verification of wells is also being carried out, the news provider adds.

The Montara oil and gas spill occurred following a well head accident in August 2009. Spillage was stopped on November 3rd that year.

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