Farmers are important stewards of Australia’s unique environment and contribute to our economic growth and social fabric. Helping farmers understand when legislation applies to their activities, and how to deal with complex and difficult requirements, helps everyone.
The independent review
The independent review of interactions between the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) and the agriculture sector, undertaken by Dr Wendy Craik, is now complete.
The review was set up to examine the interaction between the EPBC Act and the agriculture and food production sector and find practical ways to support this sector while maintaining environmental standards.
The Australian Government has already begun to implement Dr Craik’s recommendations, and will work with the sector to further improve interactions between farmers and the EPBC Act. The report will also be considered as part of the upcoming independent statutory review of the EPBC Act, due to commence by October 2019.
Our commitment
The Department is committed to working in partnership with stakeholders to improve how we regulate. Our approach to regulation is outlined in our Regulatory Framework.
Consultation Process
Dr Craik met with farmers, key industry stakeholders and environmental non-government organisations in cities and regional towns across Australia, between Monday 7 May and Friday 22 June 2018. Interested stakeholders were also invited to provide written submissions during the consultation period.
The consultation period is now complete. The Department greatly appreciates the time and effort taken by all those who contributed to the review and provided information, advice and experience to the independent reviewer.
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Frequently asked questions
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Why was the review undertaken?
- Farmers are often small businesses, working hard to look after the land.
- They told us they were having trouble understanding when the EPBC Act applies to them, and find it complex and difficult to interact with.
- The review aimed to deliver meaningful solutions and to identify actions that could be practically implemented in the short-term. It looked for ways to improve regulatory clarity for farmers, with a particular focus on:
- Helping farmers understand when their activity does (or does not) require referral, assessment or approval under the EPBC Act.
- Ensuring environmental regulation is applied to farmers in a practical way, considering on-ground farming practices and minimising any duplication or conflict with state or local laws.
- Examining how farmers are informed and able to participate in the listing process for species and ecological communities, and the implications for them when a listing occurs.
- The outcomes of the review will also benefit other sectors of the regulated community when they engage with the EPBC Act.
I am a farmer and interested in the review. How do I have my say?
- The consultation period for the review has now closed.
- Dr Craik met with farmers, key industry stakeholders and environmental non-government organisations in cities and regional towns across Australia, and also invited written submissions between Monday 7 May and Friday 22 June 2018.
- The Department will consult more broadly on a range of EPBC Act issues during the next statutory review of the EPBC Act, due to commence by late 2019.
How do I have a say about how the EPBC Act applies to other sectors?
- The Department understands that there are strong views held by other industries, as well as by environment groups and the community, on how best to improve the operation of the EPBC Act.
- There will be opportunities for all Australians to share their ideas as part of the next statutory independent review of the EPBC Act, which must commence by October 2019.
- In the interim, the Department continues to work in partnership with stakeholders to improve the regulatory system and look for ways to improve environmental law.
Who was the independent reviewer?
- Dr Wendy Craik is one of Australia’s leading independent public policy advisors and is already well versed in the key issues facing farming businesses across Australia.
- Dr Craik has extensive experience in both the public and private sector including in her current role as the Chair of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Previously, Dr Craik was the Executive Director of the National Farmers’ Federation, President of the National Competition Council, board member for Dairy Australia and Chair of the National Rural Advisory Council. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 for her service to the natural resource sector and for her contributions to policies affecting rural and regional Australia.
- AITHER consultancy supported Dr Craik in undertaking the review.
- The Department would like to thank both Dr Craik and the AITHER review team for their valuable work undertaking the review.