2018
Craik, W. 2018. Review of interactions between the EPBC Act and the agriculture sector. Independent report prepared for the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy
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About this document
The Australian Government recognises that the sustainable development of a productive and internationally competitive agriculture and food production sector is vital to our economy and regional communities, and is committed to reducing barriers to its growth.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) promotes the ecologically sustainable use of natural resources, and provides a regulatory framework to manage and protect matters of national environmental significance.
In March 2018 the Government engaged Dr Wendy Craik, a highly regarded independent public policy advisor, to undertake a targeted review to find ways to better support farmers under the national environment law. The independent review consulted with a broad range of stakeholders, and makes recommendations to help farmers understand when the legislation applies to their activities, and how to deal with its complex requirements.
The Australian Government welcomes the independent review, and the valuable input it provides to improving outcomes and engagement with the agriculture sector. The Department will continue to work closely with the agriculture sector to improve clarity and understanding, drawing on the recommendations of the review and other sources.
The report will also be considered as part of the upcoming independent statutory review of the EPBC Act, due to commence by October 2019.