26 September 2023

Extension to Environment Act review

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The independent reviewer of Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Professor Graeme Samuel, has extended the deadline for submissions to the review in the wake of the bushfire emergency.

“I would like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods,” Professor Samuel said.

“I acknowledge all those on the front line who are providing emergency response and support, including all the volunteers supporting communities and caring for our injured wildlife.”

He said submissions would now close on Friday 17 April.

“The attention of so many is rightfully focused on managing the bushfire events and taking the important first steps towards recovery,” Professor Samuel said.

“This includes people and organisations that are keenly interested in the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (known as the EPBC Act) that I am currently conducting,” he said.

“Acknowledging that the bushfires are the focus of many of the review’s stakeholders, it is appropriate to extend the timeframe for providing submissions.”

Professor Samuel said he was keen for all interested stakeholders to have their say about the EPBC Act and how it operated.

“I encourage those who are able to provide submissions earlier to do so, including if people want to submit early or focussed views and ideas in advance of a fuller submission at a later time,” Professor Samuel said.

The online discussion paper is available to read at this PS News link.

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