Policy Updates
Policy and Legislation
Policy sub-committee
The EIANZ Victorian Division has developed a Policy Sub-committee, led by Sri Patnaikuni (Committee Member), which has specifically been formed to:
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Lead policy debate by contributing to the development of new and existing environmental protection and management policies
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Actively represent the views of our Victorian members, including representatives of State and Federal government
Lastest Policy News
Policy Response regarding the Victorian Carbon Target and Coal Industry Expansion
The Victorian Division of the EIANZ has released a Policy Response to the Victorian Government's recent decision to scrap the 20% carbon reduction target and also expand coal mining in the LaTrobe Valley.
The Division notes that both these action will directly contribute to climate change, a phenomenon that the current Victorian Government is on record as acknowledging and supporting action to prevent. The Division has called for the Government to release a comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Strategy in order to demonstrate their plans to address the serious environmental issue Victoria faces and contributes to, putting these recent decisions into a broader context of action.
Read the Victorian Division Policy Response via this link
The Office of the Victorian Premier has since responded to our Policy Response.
Read a copy of the email via this link
Review of the Climate Change Act 2010
EIANZ submission Climate Chang Act Review
Have your say - Cost recovery under national environment law
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is seeking public comment on potential cost recovery mechanisms under national environment law—the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The department has released a consultation paper outlining options for recovering the costs of national environment law regulatory activities and reform for a six–week consultation period closing on 31 October 2011.
Submissions can be made to the following address:
Email: EPBC.Costrecovery@environment.gov.au
Mail: EPBC Act Cost Recovery consultation
EPBC Reform Taskforce
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 1800 423 135
Newsflash: Parliamentary Inquiry recommends overhaul of the Environment Effects Act
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC) of the Victorian Parliament has tabled its report into Victoria's environmental impact assessment regime under the Environment Effects Act. The Victorian EIANZ’s submission to this enquiry is quoted numerous times throughout the report (see Page 40 onwards for particular highlights). The Committee recognised that the EE Act is failing and requires substantial reform to “improve the transparency and rigour of the process” and better protect the environment.
The Committee has made 50 recommendations including a recognition that the primary object of the Act is to protect the environment, to insert clear triggers for assessment, to provide statutory time frames for assessment, to make Ministerial approvals and conditions legally binding, and to have legislative requirement for public participation.
The EIANZ has played a significant role in commenting and contributing to this enquiry. We will review the recommendations and provide a response in our next newsletter. Thank you to all those members that answered the survey and contributed to the focus group. To view the report, see the Parliament of Victoria website
Carbon Price
The Victorian Division of EIANZ is drafting a position statement on the Carbon Price. Details of the federal Government’s policy can be found at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/media/whats-new/putting-a-price-on-carbon-pollution.aspx.
Draft Australian Biodiversity Policy
The federal government is seeking comment on its draft Australian Biodiversity Policy. Comments are due by 21 October and details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/consultation-draft-biodiversity-policy.html.
Contaminated Land Issues and Options Paper
The Potentially Contaminated Land Advisory Committee responsible for reviewing existing Victorian planning controls and processes with regards to contaminated land has prepared an Issues and Options Paper which is currently open for consultation. Submissions are invited by 1 November 2011.
Share Your Views and Expertise
The committee is seeking Expressions of Interest from members with specialist expertise and skills across a wide range of policy areas to potentially contribute to key submissions and position statements. If you have an interest in being involved in any way (periodically or more actively), please contact Sri Patnaikuni.
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Climate Change Act Review 2010 (494Kb)
