The Environmental Protection Authority has welcomed the findings of an independent legal and governance review.
Minister for Environment Albert Jacob initiated the review into the EPA’s practices for policy and guideline development and their application to environmental impact assessments following a decision by the Supreme Court in December 2015 about the environmental assessment of the Stage 8 Roe Highway extension project.
EPA Chairman Dr Tom Hatton said the review had been an opportunity to closely examine the EPA’s suite of policies and guidelines.
Dr Hatton said the review team, led by Peter Quinlan SC and assisted by Eric Heenan and Sunili Govinnage, found the EPA should simplify its policy framework.
He said the EPA agreed that it was time for a “root-and-branch” reconsideration of its policy framework and considered the recommendations formed a sound basis for reform.
“Each member of the EPA is committed to increasing public confidence in our processes by ensuring soundness, robustness and transparency,” Dr Hatton said.
“The review team’s recommendations are valuable to achieving this objective and it is our intention to follow through with these reforms as soon as possible and independent of the outcome of the appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Implementing the recommendations is a high priority for the EPA over the coming months.”
Dr Hatton agreed with the reviewers’ observation that while there had been laudable efforts over the years for reform, incremental changes to policies by building upon existing structures had created legacy issues and an unnecessary complexity.
The EPA said they were particularly thankful to their stakeholders who contributed their views to the review panel.
“Once we have considered the recommendations in detail, we are committed to seeking advice and comment on proposed changes from members of our Stakeholder Reference Group, which includes representatives from government departments, non-government organisations and peak industry bodies,” Dr Hatton said.
The EPA has provided the report to the Minister for Environment.
The Legal and Governance Review into Policies and Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessments under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) is available at http://www.epa.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
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