New Environmental Assessment Reforms Are Controversial, But Ultimately Sensible

Proposed reforms to streamline environmental approvals for large projects are polarising industry and environmental groups. However, the case for reducing duplication and delay is overwhelming and there are ways to safeguard environmental outcomes.

The Commonwealth Government has released a new draft Framework of Standards for accrediting State and Territory environmental assessments and approvals. The Framework aims to "strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and minimise unnecessary costs to business", while maintaining "high environmental outcomes".

In Australia, major projects must pass environmental assessments at both the Commonwealth and State and Territory levels before going ahead. The advantage of this dual system is that protection of Australia's environment and biodiversity is not placed solely in the hands of any individual State or Territory government.