Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
On 31 October 2008 the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts commissioned an independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Australian Government's central piece of environmental legislation. Section 522A of the EPBC Act requires it to be reviewed every 10 years from its commencement.
The review was undertaken by Dr Allan Hawke.
This is the first review of the EPBC Act since its commencement on 16 July 2000. In accordance with section 522A and its terms of reference, the review assessed the operation of the EPBC Act and the extent to which its objects have been achieved.
Community participation in the review was encouraged. There were opportunities for public input over the course of the review.
The first stage of this public input process was through written submissions. The period for making written submissions closed on 19 December 2008. The review received 220 written submissions.
The second stage of the public consultation process was a series of face-to-face consultations with stakeholders in each Australian capital city. Over 140 meetings were held.
The third stage of the public consultation process was through the release of an Interim Report on the review which highlighted the key issues raised throughout the first two stages of the public consultation process. Written comments were invited in response to the Interim Report of the Independent review of the EPBC Act. The period for making comments closed on 3 August 2009. A further 119 written comments were received.
The Final Report was delivered to the Minister on 30 October 2009 and publicly released on 21 December 2009.
On 24 August 2011, the Minister released the Australian Government response to the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as part of a broad package of reforms for Australia's national environment law.
Australian Government response to the report of the independent review of the EPBC Act
The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has released the Australian Government response to the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as part of a broad package of reforms for Australia's national environment law.
Final report of the Independent review of the EPBC Act
The final report of the Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was presented to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts on 30 October 2009. As required under section 522A of the EPBC Act, the Minister tabled the report in Parliament on 21 December 2009.
Independent review of the EPBC Act: 25 September update
Update report on the EPBC Act review, which details the process to date and future proceedings.
Interim Report comment period has now closed
The period for making written comments in response to the Interim Report of the Independent review of the EPBC Act has now closed. The period for making comments closed on 3 August 2009. View comments.
Interim report released: media release
The independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 has reached a significant milestone with the release of an interim report.
Release of interim report
This report outlines the major themes raised in public submissions, the consultation process and the Senate committee inquiry. The report is open for public comment, closing 3 August 2009.
Independent review of the EPBC Act: 27 March update
Update report on the EPBC Act review, which details the process to date and future proceedings.
Senate inquiry into the operation of the EPBC Act
Review to consider findings and recommendations of Senate standing committee inquiry.
Submissions period closed
The period for making a written submission to the Independent review of the EPBC Act has now closed. Submissions closed on Friday 19 December 2008.
EPBC Act: Independent review announced
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts has announced the establishment of an independent review of the Commonwealth's central piece of environmental legislation - the EPBC Act.
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Related Agencies
- NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment
- Queensland Environmental Protection Agency
- South Australia Department for Environment and Heritage
- Western Australia - Department of Environment and Conservation
- Tas Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts
- NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport
- ACT Territory and Municipal Services
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