CCIWA has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to commit to full public consultation for the majority of its controversial reforms to federal environment laws.
The changes to the approach taken to developing “Nature Positive” reforms come after CCIWA highlighted the potential risks to WA’s economy in its Green Web report in late 2023, finding $318 billion worth of investment in WA alone was tied up in environmental approval delays.
The proposal has sparked widespread fears that the rewrite of federal environment laws would increase green tape and potentially torpedo major projects, including new mines, farms, housing, clean energy developments, electricity transmission and public infrastructure.
However, the Government has confirmed that the next tranche of legislation to be introduced in coming weeks will not include the power for the EPA to approve or reject projects as originally proposed, instead acting as an auditor to enforce federal laws.
CCIWA Chief Economist, Aaron Morey, said while there are still deep concerns with the planned changes, they do show the Government is listening.
“This is a sensible shift in the approach to consultation, and we are pleased to see that the Government has taken on board the concerns that CCIWA and other groups have presented to them in recent months.
“Industry has been concerned about a lack of clarity when it comes to aspects of the reforms so the Government’s commitment to releasing an exposure draft will ensure there is adequate scope for feedback.”
“We will continue to work with Government and industry to ensure Australia’s environmental laws are fit for purpose, delivering outcomes for the environment while also protecting our economic and social prosperity.”
Mr Morey said the Nature Positive reforms had the potential to impact on WA more significantly than other states.
“WA’s large mining and agriculture sectors means the economic impact here would be significant, and that is reflected in the high level of concern expressed by industry in WA,” he said.
“These reforms are dramatic and far-reaching, so it is vital that they are delivered in a way that takes into account the economic benefits brought by major projects.”
