Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the Morrison Government’s Interim Report into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was good news for Tasmania’s economy, and would help to unlock job-creating projects.
“The report has made it clear that the 20-year-old legislation no longer services the interests of business or the environment,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“It is as important as ever to ensure that legislation, such as the EPBC Act, meets the changing needs of business, agriculture, environment and community planners, particularly as we respond to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“By cutting red tape and removing unnecessary regulatory burden, we can unlock job-creating projects to strengthen Tasmania’s economy, while still protecting the environment to the highest standard.
“This is our opportunity to get some balance back into the process and our Government is committed to delivering genuine reform.”