The Business Council is concerned by the Nature Positive legislation introduced into the Parliament today which includes less accountability for environmental decisions.   

BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said if this Bill becomes law, an independent Environmental Protection Agency can be delegated the elected minister’s powers.

This entity could then be making project decisions, without proper accountability and with the risk of sidelining the broader social and economic benefits of a specific project.

“Many of the issues raised by business during the consultation process have not been taken up and that concerns us,” Mr Black said.

“In practice, the Minister’s delegable power to consider important projects will be given to an unaccountable EPA, with the risk of downplaying a project's broader economic and social benefits.”

Mr Black said the Nature Positive changes needed to provide better outcomes for the environment and for business.

“The BCA has long supported reforms to the EPBC Act to improve Australia’s environment whilst also allowing sustainable projects to proceed, providing better outcomes both for the environment and for business.

“We need to ensure we remain competitive and attract investment because jobs and our economic growth rely on it.”