Australia's first National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially commenced operations, marking the next stage of the Federal Government's environmental law reforms and establishing a new independent regulator for environmental compliance, approvals and enforcement.
The National EPA began operating on 1 July following the appointment of inaugural chief executive officer John Bradley PSM, who will lead the agency through its first five years.
Established as an independent regulator, the National EPA is responsible for compliance and enforcement under Australia's national environmental laws, administering environmental assessments and approvals, and improving the consistency and transparency of environmental decision-making.
According to the Federal Government, the agency is intended to deliver stronger environmental protections while supporting productivity through more streamlined project approvals and greater regulatory consistency.
For the packaging industry, the National EPA is expected to become increasingly relevant as investment in recycling infrastructure, resource recovery, advanced recycling and other circular economy projects continues to grow, with many developments requiring Commonwealth environmental approvals.
The launch of the agency forms part of the Government's broader environmental law reform agenda, with further reforms and National Environmental Standards expected to be introduced over time.
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the National EPA represented a new era for environmental regulation in Australia.
"The National EPA will provide the independent oversight, compliance and enforcement needed to protect our environment while delivering greater confidence and consistency for business," Watt said.
Bradley said the agency would play an important role as an independent regulator.
"The National EPA has a critical role to play as the agile, independent umpire Australia's environment needs," Bradley said.
"We will work closely with the stakeholders and jurisdictions who have already contributed significantly to these reforms, as the National EPA hits the ground running."
As part of the transition, information relating to the National EPA is progressively being moved from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website to the agency's dedicated website, reflecting its establishment as a standalone independent regulator.
