Miners urge balance in EPBC reforms
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has backed the Albanese government’s push to reform national environment laws but warned that changes must deliver “practical, workable outcomes” for communities, the environment and the economy.
MCA CEO Tania Constable said the industry supported reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act that would provide a clearer pathway for projects to be assessed “efficiently [and] consistently” while maintaining environmental protections.
“It is crucial that reform delivers a clear pathway for projects to be assessed efficiently, consistently, and delivered in a way that benefits communities, the environment and the economy,” she said.
Constable welcomed the government’s consultation process but stressed the need to avoid unintended consequences. “It is vital the changes are properly road-tested with industry to ensure they are practical and free of unintended consequences,” she said.
The MCA supports national environmental standards, accreditation of state and territory processes to cut duplication, and an independent Environment Protection Authority with compliance and enforcement powers. But the group maintains that final approval powers should stay with the federal environment minister to ensure decisions remain accountable to the public.
The council said it would continue working with Environment Minister Murray Watt as reforms are developed.
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