Opened the debate
Burke moved that the bill be read a second time, citing the 2020 independent review led by Professor Graeme Samuel AC which identified fundamental gaps in environmental data. Burke argued that removing impediments to data sharing is essential for enabling faster, better decisions by government and business while protecting high-value environmental areas. The bill would create the statutory position of Head of Environment Information Australia to provide national leadership on data availability and independent reporting. Burke contended that access to authoritative information is crucial for evidence-informed policy and regulatory decisions. Burke concluded that improved data transparency would restore confidence in environmental decision-making and increase positive impacts on nature.