In response to industry feedback, the Queensland Government has included temporary amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (EP Act) in their Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Bill 2020 (Response Bill), which was introduced on 19 May 2020. Read more
Infrastructure contributions in NSW is set to be overhauled, with a package of proposed reforms on public exhibition and a NSW Productivity Commission review to be completed by the end of the year. Read more
Government’s intent to reform the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) has been formalised with the tabling of the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2020 (WA) on 16 April 2020. While framed as a modernisation of the Act, the substantive reform proposed in the Bill is modest in nature and not comparable to the wholesale reform elsewhere in Australia. However, a number of the amendments will see far greater clarity and real procedural efficiencies, particularly in the Part IV and Part V assessment and approval processes. Read more
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Victorian Government has announced that the commencement of the State's new environment protection regime will be postponed until 1 July 2021. However, consultation continues on guidance and subordinate legislation to support its implementation.Read more
More complex, taking longer, and less certain. The Productivity Commission confirms that there is scope for improvement for regulatory processes, including reduced duplication of Commonwealth and State assessments and approvals. Read more
COVID-19 poses a real risk of staff absences and impacts on environmental supply chains. There may also be the need for operations to cease temporarily, and at short notice. Business will need to consider the threat this poses to their capacity to comply. COVID-19 will not excuse businesses from meeting environmental obligations. Read more
The Discussion Paper relating to the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) has been released for public consultation. Written submissions on the Discussion Paper are due by 5pm on 17 April 2020. Read more
