The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) is calling on the Australian Government to carefully consider feedback on amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to ensure the reforms deliver their intended outcomes.
CME Director Policy and Advocacy Anita Logiudice said industry held significant concerns about components of the legislation set to be introduced to Parliament imminently.
“Successful environmental reform is integral to the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, continued progress towards our climate targets, sustaining our world-leading resources sector and easing pressure on national housing supply,” Ms Logiudice said.
“But getting these critical reforms right is far more important than getting them done fast.
“It is essential time is allowed for testing and adjustment to ensure the reforms deliver their promised improvements for both the environment and for business.”
While CME holds multiple concerns with the legislation revealed to date, two priority issues have been identified.
“First, the inclusion of multiple definitions of ‘unacceptable impact’ introduces complexity and ambiguity that threatens to stall resources projects throughout WA,” Ms Logiudice said.
“We believe there should be one single definition, developed following careful consideration and testing by a range of stakeholders.
“The resource sector understands that environmental assessments can lead to different outcomes: some projects are not approved, some proceed as proposed and others proceed with conditions.
“Getting the ‘unacceptable impact’ definition right is not about changing those outcomes; it’s about making sure proponents, regulators and the Australian community share a clear and consistent understanding of the criteria. The current drafting does not provide that clarity.”
CME’s second priority issue is that the reforms offer no immediate pathway to faster, more efficient assessments for WA projects.
“In WA, faster project assessments appear contingent on future negotiations between State and Federal governments on bilateral agreements, as yet undefined regulatory tests or the mineral reserve being in an area that may be covered by a Regional Plan at some point in the future,” Ms Logiudice said.
“At a minimum, we are seeking a commitment from the Federal and State Government that WA will be accredited for both assessments and approvals within six months of the laws passing.
“Project assessments can be both rigorous and efficient – and they need to be both for Australia to have any hope of competing for investment with countries that have similar environmental standards but are reaching decisions much faster than we are.
“CME remains committed to reform of the EPBC Act but the reforms must achieve their environmental outcomes without badly damaging Australia’s ability to compete for international investment.”
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382