Business leaders in Western Australia have welcomed ongoing consultation with Environment Minister Murray Watt, as he prepares to release revised reforms to the nation’s environmental approvals system.
CCIWA, in partnership with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), was pleased to host Minister Watt at a Boardroom Breakfast in Perth this morning, where the Minister met with key WA business stakeholders to discuss the reforms.
The Minister has committed to having the legislation to reform the EPBC Act, which includes the establishment of a national Environment Protection Authority, introduced to Federal Parliament by the end of the year.
CCIWA Chief Economist, Aaron Morey, said the WA business community is anxiously awaiting more detail on the reforms.
“This is one of the most crucial pieces of reform on the government’s agenda at the moment, and it will have significant impacts on Western Australia because of the make-up of our economy,” he said.
The new legislation will replace the so-called “Nature Positive” Bills, which stalled in Parliament earlier this year.
Mr Morey said it was vital that the most concerning elements of the previous proposal are abandoned completely.
“WA industry and businesses have stressed to Minister Watt that this environmental approval reform is sorely needed, but it must be developed in a way that achieves the Government’s stated aims of better for the environment and better for business.”
Mr Morey said the WA business community also welcomed an agreement between Minister Watt and Premier Roger Cook to set up a new bilateral agreement to fast-track project approvals.
“It’s absolutely vital that state and federal processes work together and share information,” he said.
“One of the biggest barriers to investment in Australia is the unnecessary duplication and long timelines involved project approvals.”
“We’re encouraged to hear from Minister Watt that reducing those timelines is a key priority of the EPBC reforms.”
“We look forward to more details being released in the coming weeks and months.”
