Companies exploring for energy off the NSW coast should be subject to the same "fit and proper person test" as those on land, the Berejiklian government says, underscoring tensions between Sydney and Canberra over the approval of seismic testing in waters near Newcastle.

Don Harwin, NSW resources minister, told Parliament this week that he had been advised of legal concerns related to MEC Resources, the parent company of Asset Energy that is due to seismic testing on Sunday in a region about 30 kilometres south-east of Newcastle.

A third protest against the testing in the past couple of months is due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday. "It's the federal government we're hoping to get the message to, and the company," Jo Lynch, an organiser with the Hunter Community Environment Centre, said.

MEC Resources are due to conduct seismic testing on Sunday in a region about 30 kilometres off Newcastle. Credit:Simone De Peak

Jeremy Buckingham, a NSW Greens MP, asked Mr Harwin in Parliament whether legal writs for unpaid debts issued to MEC and other action to remove the company's board meant the firm would fail to meet the state's "fit and proper person test".