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Australia Passes Landmark Law Overhauling Nature Protection
The reforms, based on a 2020 review, create a federal EPA, enforce national standards, and could inject up to A$7 billion into the economy, Environment Minister Murray Watt said.
- On Thursday, Australia's upper house passed a landmark bill overhauling national environmental laws that strengthen protections and streamline approvals for major developments.
- Lawmakers argued the EPBC Act 1991 is widely seen as outdated, with past efforts to update the law, including earlier this year, having foundered among industry and environmental advocates.
- Law firm Clayton Utz noted the bill will establish a nationwide Environmental Protection Authority, require large projects to disclose emissions, create national decision standards, and increase scrutiny of iron ore, coal and liquefied natural gas.
- Watt said Thursday the reforms will deliver tangible benefits for the environment and protect what is precious, while officials say the package will cut approval times for key projects and inject up to A$7 billion.
- The agency will operate alongside state and territory bodies in Australia's eight states and territories, signalling potential friction as the nation's mining and energy industries face environmental tradeoffs.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left5Leaning Right8Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Right
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Right
54% Right
L 33%
13%
R 54%
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