The Business Council of Australia does not support the size and scope of the proposed increase in fees and charges. This is particularly so given the acknowledged performance challenges with the current environmental assessment system, as well as the necessity for the nation to deliver significant investment in renewable energy, critical minerals, and new housing supply.

It is widely agreed that the EPBC Act in its current form is not meeting the nation’s needs. It is failing to provide adequate environmental protection and does not provide an efficient assessment process for development. The Business Council asks that any move towards greater cost recovery in the environmental assessment space occur only after delivery of reform to the EPBC Act, so that revised costings are based on efficient implementation of the Act.

You can read the full submission here.