The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has expressed relief on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to not proceed with the current Nature Positive reforms.
In 2024, the Nature Positive Bill established Environment Protection Australia as a statutory Commonwealth entity to conduct regulatory and implementation functions under a range of environmental Commonwealth laws.
The previous proposed changes to the environmental approvals process, which were rejected late 2024, would have resulted in complicated, time consuming, and costly processes.
“It would have also created significant further duplication of the current environmental approvals process,” AMEC says.
Speaking at a press conference in Western Australia on 31 March, Albanese confirmed that if re-elected, the government would consult widely and work with industry and environmental groups to ensure they get changes to Federal Environmental laws right.
The Prime Minister assured that a deal with the Greens party was not forthcoming and responded promptly when it looked like legislation was to be tabled during the first sitting week of parliament this year.
AMEC Chief Executive Warren Pearce says this is what AMEC has been calling for from the government.
“As long as the process demonstrates genuine consultation with industry, and all stakeholders and the community as well,” Pearce says.
“We agree that changes are needed to federal environmental laws. Now it is a matter of finding the best possible model that ensures good environmental outcomes and reduces the time and cost for approvals.
“AMEC has consistently stated that we are not advocating for less environmental protections, but greater efficiency in the process.”
AMEC is a national association representing over 500 member companies from around Australia. Its members include explorers, emerging miners, producers, and a wide range of businesses and service providers working for the industry.
Mining.com.au is an official member of AMEC.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: AMEC
