ARTICLE · 01 APRIL 2010

Seeking Best Practice Commonwealth Environmental Protection

Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

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On 12 December 2009, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts (Minister) tabled the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) – The Australian Environment Act: Report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) – in Parliament (Review).

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Kate Harvey

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On 12 December 2009, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts (Minister) tabled the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) – The Australian Environment Act: Report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) – in Parliament (Review).

The EPBC Act establishes a national approach to environment protection and biodiversity conservation. It appoints the Minister as the key decision-maker for environmental impact assessment and approval in relation to matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) and establishes an integrated biodiversity management regime comprised of:

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