Today marks 100 days since the launch of Australia's independent National Environmental Protection Agency, which is quickly establishing itself as a modern and effective regulator.
The National EPA, the first in Australia's history, is a key plank in the Albanese Government's landmark environmental law reforms, which were passed in December last year.
Since its establishment on 1 July, the agency is delivering on the Government's commitment to stronger environmental protections, more efficient and robust project assessments, and greater accountability and transparency in decision-making.
In its first three months of operation, the National EPA gave the green light to 68 projects, subject to strict environmental conditions, including projects supporting housing, renewable energy and critical minerals, with 93 per cent delivered within statutory timeframes.
At the same time, the National EPA is delivering stronger environmental protection, backed by new compliance and enforcement powers provided by the Government's environmental reforms.
It is undertaking compliance action with 15 ongoing criminal court matters, the finalisation of a criminal prosecution and the seizure of thousands of wildlife specimens.
The National EPA granted 3,280 wildlife trade permits, approved 9,934 refrigerant and extinguishing-agent licences and authorisations, granted or renewed 58 ozone licences and regulated more than 196,000 emissions-controlled product imports valued at over $134 million.
A focus of the new agency has been helping the regulated community understand and comply with Australia's national environment laws.
In the first months of operation, the National EPA released the Agriculture and the EPBC Act guidance document to help farmers, landholders and agricultural stakeholders better understand their obligations under the EPBC Act.
National EPA staff have taken part in 124 field days, presentations, site visits and briefings reaching more than 1,223 stakeholders, including many farmers and landholders across 107 organisations.
While the assessments, compliance and stakeholder engagement has continued at pace, the agency has also been busy preparing to deliver on the next stage of the Government's environment reforms kicking off on 1 December- when new National Environmental Standards are applied and a streamlined assessment pathway commences.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"In its first 100 days, the National EPA has established itself as a strong regulator that enforces compliance with our laws, while delivering better outcomes for nature and the economy.
"These outcomes will only be strengthened as the final tranche of our landmark environmental reforms come into effect in December.
"This week I have also released my Statement of Expectations for the agency which will guide how it operates as a modern, best-practice regulator."
Quotes attributable to National EPA CEO John Bradley:
"Since the launch of Australia's new National EPA on 1 July, our teams have kept pace with the need for timely and robust environmental approvals supporting housing, energy and economic drivers of national productivity.
"We've partnered with State and Commonwealth agencies to interrupt wildlife crime, we've provided information and advice to thousands of businesses on environmental regulation and we're preparing to implement new tools and powers.
"The National EPA is committed to a simple but ambitious mission: to protect the environment, benefit communities and help foster Australia's economic prosperity."
