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Watt Convenes Stakeholder Summit to Drive EPBC Act Reform

Diverse stakeholders have gathered in Canberra to advise on climate provisions, a proposed federal environment agency, legislative changes slated for this term.

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Overview

  • Environment Minister Murray Watt has brought together about 25 business, environmental, Indigenous and development groups in a bid to break a longstanding impasse over outdated national environmental laws.
  • The 1999 EPBC Act was deemed ineffective by the 2020 Graeme Samuel review after piecemeal approvals were found to harm habitats and Indigenous heritage.
  • Watt says he has held one-on-one consultations since replacing Tanya Plibersek and is optimistic that a compromise can secure passage of reforms this parliamentary term.
  • Key debates focus on whether to embed a new climate change trigger in the EPBC Act or rely on the existing Safeguard Mechanism and on establishing an independent federal Environment Protection Agency.
  • Previous reform efforts faltered when state governments and industry groups, notably in Western Australia, raised concerns that changes could impede mining and gas projects.