Australia‘s Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, has described the country’s new Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 as being “better for the environment, and better for business”.
The bill, which has been submitted to the country’s House of Representatives, marks the first major overhaul of Australia’s national environmental law in more than two decades, and responds to recommendations made five years ago in an independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, by Professor Graeme Samuel.
‘More transparency’
“Today we’ve introduced a package of reforms that delivers stronger environmental protections, faster project approvals and more transparency,” Watt commented on the new bill, adding that its introduction follows widespread meetings with stakeholders and other interested parties.
“This is not a zero-sum game – we can and are delivering legislation that is better for the environment, and better for business. Every day we delay the passing of these laws we see the environment suffer and we see business and the community suffer.”
The bill focuses on three main areas – stronger protection and restoration of the environment, more efficient and robust approval processes, and greater accountability and transparency.
It proposes new ministerial powers to establish national environmental standards, as well as a clearer definition of ‘unacceptable impacts’ that can guide decision making. It also sets higher penalties for ‘intentional and severe’ breaches of environmental law.
Elsewhere, the bill proposes the establishment of Australia’s first national, independent environmental protection agency, an independent watchdog that will be enshrined with the authority to audit approval holders, issue stop-work orders, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
While the Minister will retain authority over project approvals, the agency will act as an independent regulator and watchdog when it comes to environmental matters.
Gaining approval
The government is hopeful that the legislation will be passed by both Houses of Parliament by the end of 2025.
“It’s now up to the Parliament to decide whether or not to support these important reforms, or team up to keep the broken laws we have now, which aren’t protecting the environment and are stifling business and investment,” Watt added. Read more here.
