❓ Dr. Pettitt questions the government's stance on the Independent Review of environmental approvals, focusing on appeal rights, EPA independence, and public consultation. The government's response is non-committal on appeal rights and claims to uphold EPA independence and ongoing consultation.
AnsweredQoN 1999Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Independent Review of Western Australian Environmental Approvals Processes and Procedures (Independent Review), and I ask: (a) in regard to recommendation 36 of the Independent Review, what justification is provided for the possible removal of the appeal rights under part IV of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA); (b) is the Minister aware that the current appeals process is very effective in identifying and correcting errors in EPA reports and recommendations; (c) is the Minister concerned that recommendations 6, 12 and 14, if implemented, could compromise the independence of the EPA and lead to the public perception that EPA recommendations are based on political considerations rather than on science; and (d) why did the Government fail to seek public input on the Independent Review before announcing that it supported all 39 recommendations?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 May 2024
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment
Response time
8 days
a-b. The State Government is committed to ensuring WA’s environmental approvals process contains an independent review mechanism that is fit for purpose and delivers on the objectives of the EPA. Careful policy consideration of this matter is ongoing.
c. The EPA’s function is to provide independent environmental advice to Government. The State Government’s reforms will not impact upon this function.
d. The State Government has not announced support for all of the report’s 39 recommendations. The State Government continues to consult with stakeholders as part of its work to implement measures to improve the efficiency of the approvals process while maintaining the highest environmental standards.
c. The EPA’s function is to provide independent environmental advice to Government. The State Government’s reforms will not impact upon this function.
d. The State Government has not announced support for all of the report’s 39 recommendations. The State Government continues to consult with stakeholders as part of its work to implement measures to improve the efficiency of the approvals process while maintaining the highest environmental standards.
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