[Greens-Media] RATTENBURY MEDIA RELEASE: EPA bill to improve functions for environmental protection

[Jaques, Alison]

MEDIA RELEASE
Shane Rattenbury MLA, ACT Greens Member for Molonglo

30/10/14
EPA bill to improve functions for environmental protection

ACT Greens MLA, Shane Rattenbury, has supported proposed legislation in the Legislative Assembly today that will provide a range of broader provisions for the Environmental Protection Authority under the Environment Protection Act.

"This bill will go some way in improving the operation of the Act and the functions of the Environmental Protection Authority," said Mr Rattenbury.

"A significant change to the Act is to ensure that the Territory is liable for an offence under the Act. Previously the Territory was immune from criminal liability and I think there is no reason that the Government should not be as legally accountable on environmental protection as business and industry.

"The Bill also has amendments that will see the extra-territorial application of the Act, which will mean that environmental incidents that occur wholly outside the ACT but have an impact on the ACT (such as water pollution from interstate) will be captured by this legislation.

"For a jurisdiction of our size, and with our geography, this is particularly important.

"One of the more substantial components of the Bill are the new provisions around Enforceable Undertakings, which allow for legally binding agreements for environmental reparation to be created, saving both time and money, and ensuring actions are agreed to that will deliver environmental reparation or benefit.

"The bill also provides for an internal review process, whereby the EPA can internally review decisions - a process which was previously only possible through ACAT.

"Review of decisions can be sought by the entity that made the application, or by any other person whose interests are affected. This adds a layer of scrutiny to the process that means that a member of the public could seek an internal review of a decision in the public interest.

"This Bill is a step in the right direction for the EPA. It delivers a broader set of provisions that will give more effective ability to ensure compliance with environmental regulations under the Act.

"However, it is important to note that even with additional provisions, it is vital that we continue to resource the EPA to ensure that they can effectively carry out the work they are being tasked to do.

Statement ends


Ali Jaques | Media Adviser to Shane Rattenbury MLA
ACT Greens Member for Molonglo
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services; Sport and Recreation;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; and Corrective Services.

t:  (02) 6205 3897 | m:  0481 035 764| alison.jaques at act.gov.au |

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