Report on the operation of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Covering the period 16 July 2000 to 30 June 2001
Environment Australia, 2001
ISBN 0 6425 4770 X
Letter of transmittal
The Hon Dr David Kemp
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2610
Dear Minister
In accordance with Section 516 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, I present the first Annual Report on the operation of the Act. This report covers the period from introduction of the Act on 16 July 2000 up to 30 June 2001. In accordance with Section 516, the report does not include matters dealt with by the Annual Report of the Director of National Parks, namely Divisions 4 and 5 of Part 15 ad Division 5 of Part 19 of the Act.
The past year has been one of significant achievement - the transition from the previous range of environmental legislation to the Act has been relatively smooth, processes in the Department to administer the Act are operating efficiently and effectively, and stakeholders have viewed positively the early implementation of the Act. I would like to acknowledge the significant commitment and hard work of staff in this Department in helping to achieve this outcome.
This first year of implementation has established a sound basis for meeting the objects of the Act over the coming years.
This report also includes a statement made under the Section 518(2) of the Act on non-compliance with time limits.
Yours Sincerely
[signed]
Roger Beale
Secretary
20 December 2001