The Interim Engaging with First Nations People and Communities on Assessments and Approvals under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (interim guidance)

About the document

The Interim Engaging with First Nations People and Communities on Assessments and Approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (interim guidance) outlines the statutory obligations that apply to, and the department’s expectations of, proponents engaging with First Nations people and communities under the EPBC Act.

The interim guidance updates the department’s Engage early: Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the EPBC Act (2016). This guidance applies to proponents undertaking referral, assessment and approval processes under Chapter 4 of the EPBC Act.

The Department anticipates the guidance will be finalised and published in the second quarter of 2023.