Following last night's passage through the House of Representatives of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Bill, the MCA calls on the Senate to support these crucial reforms and streamlining amendments when it returns to Parliament in August.
The Bill will provide for the establishment of national environmental standards, strong, independent assurance and unprecedented oversight by the Australian Parliament.
Along with the streamlining amendments currently before the Senate, these reforms will deliver on National Cabinet's commitment to a single touch approvals process while upholding high environmental standards and enhancing community confidence.
The Australian minerals industry is committed to the conservation of Australia's unique environment.
The reforms set the foundation for better environmental outcomes and a more efficient and certain regulatory system.
They will also provide greater confidence to invest in minerals projects that support regional jobs, businesses and communities.
As Australia recovers from COVID-19, creating more resources jobs more quickly to support economic growth and regional communities while boosting environmental protection is a clear path to a stronger Australia.
This is not the end, but is another crucial step in the reforms journey.
Released last week, the Australian Government's pathway provides a clear timeline to consult, consider and implement further comprehensive reforms.
The second independent 10-year statutory review of the EPBC Act found it was outdated and required urgent reform.
The last 10 year review was a lost opportunity and there is a risk these reforms may also languish.
The time is right to start the reforms journey.
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