The independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act provides an important opportunity to enhance business certainty while upholding high environmental standards.
Australia’s world-leading minerals industry is committed to the protection of the country’s unique environment.
Yet, regulatory complexity and duplication – including overlapping state and federal laws – delay minerals projects and reduce global competitiveness without improving environmental protection.
These issues have been widely recognised for years without significant changes to the EPBC Act.
The sustainable development of Australia’s natural resources and environmental regulation should be based on sound science.
Sensible reforms are needed to enhance business confidence and unlock minerals investment, support regional jobs and businesses and strengthen regional communities while boosting environmental protection.