Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Milne. I refer you to section 435B. I honestly think if you look at the breadth of the matters that must be referred to the committee, a matter referred under subsection (1) must be referred and then there is almost a page and a half of matters, including, I think, the issue of environmental issues being referred to the committee. It is true that the EPBC Act is triggered by this legislation or by the actions that would be facilitated under this legislation, and I think your concerns about the EPBC Act you could deal with in amendments to the EPBC Act rather than not using the facility that exists through EPBC. However, if you read through section 435B I think you have to agree that almost any matter that you wanted to be could be referred to an expert committee. It is comprehensive; it does allow for all matters to be assessed. Can I say, though, that we thank you for the change to your earlier amendment around the membership of the expert committee. I think the panel as proposed by the government is far more sensible. But please have a look at 435B. I think you would have to agree that it is as comprehensive as it could be.