“We understand that striking the right balance isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve been strongly advocating for transparent consultation processes, including the opportunity for experts within our member organisations to test key reform elements.”
CME Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Tomkinson
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) acknowledges the announcement by Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, advising that the Federal Government will take a staged approach to the implementation of Nature Positive reforms.
CME Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Tomkinson, said the organisation had consistently advocated for the government to approach the reform with a long-term view for a fit-for-purpose design that incorporated direct industry engagement and expertise.
“Minister Plibersek’s decision shows an understanding that these once-in-a-generation reforms must be enduring and deliver the ‘better for the environment and better for business’ objectives,” said Ms Tomkinson.
“We understand that striking the right balance isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve been strongly advocating for transparent consultation processes, including the opportunity for experts within our member organisations to test key reform elements.
“As I’ve said before, if the Federal Government gets it wrong, better environmental outcomes are at risk, and the ongoing economic contribution of the sector’s existing operations and $93 billion in future WA investment projects and associated jobs are threatened.”
Ms Tomkinson added that while the Minister’s announcement provided additional time to work through the detail of the complex reform, the timing for the establishment of the independent federal Environmental Protection Authority was still tight.
“We continue to hold reservations about the proposed decision-making model and will continue to advocate for a model that balances ecologically sustainable development considerations and includes the Minister as the decision maker,” Ms Tomkinson said.
She said the WA Government had been actively working with its federal counterparts to ensure that the reform design aligns with WA’s environmental management processes and implementation framework.
“Maintaining strong ESG regulatory frameworks is important and a focus of industry. Our ESG approach must be coupled with efficient administration and regulation,” she said.
“We encourage the WA Government to maintain its advocacy for WA and to prioritise this work. We will continue to highlight opportunities for the reform design to dovetail with our state environmental assessment framework.
“CME looks forward to participating fully in this process.”
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Media contact: Natasha Mutch
