“The release of the Standards for Accreditation of Environmental Approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is an important milestone towards removing the unnecessary double handling of environmental assessments and approvals between levels of government,” Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“As the Australian economy transitions from the investment phase of the resources boom, it is critical that our policy framework pulls out all stops to encourage investment without compromising environmental standards.

“An efficient approvals process for major projects, which also safeguards our national heritage and environment, is a critical element of this framework.

“The BCA will review carefully the standards, which must ensure the requirements of the EPBC Act are upheld as well as support bilateral agreements which lower the regulatory burden on business.

“It is now incumbent on state and territory governments to work constructively with the Commonwealth to deliver their bilateral agreements within the agreed timeframe,” Ms Westacott said.

For further information contact:
Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs
Business Council of Australia
Telephone (03) 8664 2603 | Mobile 0403 241 128