Office of the Minister Eva Lawler

The Territory Labor Government has moved one step closer to introducing its new environment protection legislation following extensive community consultation.

The consultation resulted in 35 stakeholder groups interviewed, 33 written submissions and 178 form letters.

Several amendments to the draft legislation will be made as a result of the consultation process to ensure the legislation retains its principle focus on mitigating the environmental impacts of development while protecting the environment.

The Environment Protection Bill is due to be introduced to Parliament in May and represents the first stage of environmental regulatory reforms promised by the Territory Labor Government.

Establishing a new environment protection legislative framework aims to build community trust, facilitate investor certainty and deliver better environmental outcomes.

The new Bill:

• replaces the current Environmental Assessment Act;
• provides for a new environmental impact assessment system;
• provides the introduction of a single environmental approval issued by the Environment Minister;
• will be supported by new regulations which provide for different levels of assessment; and
• enables prescribed timeframes for each decision in the environmental impact assessment system.

A comprehensive response to the submissions received can be viewed at https://denr.nt.gov.au/environment-information/environmental-regulatory-reform/submissions-draft-environment-protection-bill-and-regulations together with the Report and individual submissions.

Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“The Territory’s natural environment is one of our best assets and a huge part of what makes living here so special - Protecting the environment creates jobs, and good environmental policy is smart economic policy.

“The Territory’s current environment protection legislation is confusing and outdated – that is why the Territory Labor Government will introduce a new Environmental Protection Bill that will support industry and protect the environment.

“The implementation of this legislation is another solid example of our Government delivering on our promises to protect the environment and create jobs.

“The Territory Labor Government has balanced the views of stakeholders to construct an environmental regulatory framework that provides for public participation and greater transparency, certainty and timeliness of decisions.”

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689