Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 1 November 2012:

(1) What meetings were held, either before or after the April 2012 Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, to gain community views about the Business Advisory Forum (BAF) proposal for approvals bilateral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including details of the attendees, purpose, length and outcomes of discussions for each meeting.

(2) What meetings were held with business and industry prior to the April 2012 COAG meeting in preparation for the BAF meeting of April 2012, including details of the attendees, purpose, length and outcomes of discussions for each meeting.

(3) What independent assessment was prepared by the Government of the claims made by business that environmental regulation was duplicated and caused delays, including when this analysis was undertaken; if no analysis was undertaken, why not.

(4) Was any independent assessment undertaken of other jurisdictions, including the United States, to determine whether Australia''s alleged ''green tape'' burdens are lesser or greater than that of other comparable jurisdictions; if so, when was this analysis undertaken; if not, why not.

(5) Was any independent assessment undertaken of what Australia''s environmental regulation frameworks deliver for the community and the likely risks associated with a handover of federal environmental approvals powers to state and territory governments; if so, when was this analysis undertaken; if not, why not.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) has sought community views (particularly those of environment NGOs), in relation to the Business Advisory Forum (BAF) proposal for approval of bilateral agreements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). There will be further opportunities for public input as the reform progresses. The details of meetings to date are set out below.

Stakeholder feedback at these meetings has been consistent. Environment groups maintain their opposition to the reform, while business groups are generally supportive. To date public feedback on the draft standards has been minimal.

(2) PM&C met with the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to prepare for the Business Advisory Forum on 12 April 2012. The meetings were convened to discuss business priorities for discussion at the BAF, which in turn informed the April 2012 BAF agenda.

(3) The following are independent reports that address inefficiencies and duplication in Australia's environmental regulatory framework:

(4) No.

(5) Yes. See the Independent review of the EPBC Act.