Environment Bulletin – January 2023

Australia – Reforms to Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act announced

The Australian Government has announced various reforms to environmental legislation, as part of its response to the review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The Nature Positive Plan presents several actions that will be undertaken to improve environmental protection, speed up decisions, and build trust and integrity. These include the development of National Environmental Standards, the establishment of an independent Environment Protection Agency, improving environmental data and information, utilising regional planning, reforming environmental offsets, improving conservation planning arrangements, and enhancing the role of First Nations partnerships.

Read the Minister for the Environment and Water’s media release here.

Australia – Electric Car Discount Bill passed

The Australian Government has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Bill 2022, which will improve affordability of electrical vehicles by removing fringe benefits tax. It is anticipated that the removal of this tax will encourage greater uptake of electric vehicles and reduce transport emissions.

Read the Treasury’s media statement here.

Western Australia – Draft Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill released

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety is seeking feedback on the Draft Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2022. The Bill proposes to amend WA’s petroleum Acts in relation to environmental aspects, royalty calculation, underground storage and additives. It will also introduce the concept of ‘prescribed regulated substances’ which will enable the exploration and production of prescribed regulated substances such as naturally occurring hydrogen. Comments close 24 February 2023.

Read the Western Australian Government’s media release here.