Watt has emphasized the significance of establishing an independent National Environmental Protection Authority (NEPA), stating it will bolster compliance and enforcement measures to safeguard the environment. He highlighted that those attempting to harm the environment unlawfully will face severe consequences, underscoring the agency’s role in environmental protection.

The creation of NEPA is a key component of a sweeping set of proposed reforms aimed at enhancing environmental legislation. These reforms also include the introduction of new national environmental standards, modifications to policies regarding environmental offsets, and significantly increased penalties for companies that violate environmental laws.

In contrast, Sussan Ley has criticized the reform proposals put forth by the Labor party, labeling them as an “environmental approvals disaster.” She argues that the changes would introduce excessive bureaucratic hurdles. Her remarks reflect a broader debate over how best to balance environmental protection with economic considerations.

Efforts to revise the current Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act have been ongoing, with several initiatives put forward in recent years. The latest set of reforms is anticipated to be presented to parliament imminently, signaling a pivotal moment in the legislative process aimed at environmental preservation.

There have been multiple attempts in recent years to overhaul the existing Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, with the latest reforms expected to be introduced to parliament as early as this week.

The Samuel Review, handed to the Coalition government in 2020 and led by the former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair, found Australia’s national environmental laws were outdated and ineffective.