Opened the debate
Burke argued that the existing Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is ineffective for protecting the environment or facilitating necessary economic projects like housing and renewable energy. Burke stated the bill implements reforms faithful to the Samuel review, organised into three pillars: stronger protection, efficient decision-making, and accountability. Key measures include establishing national environmental standards with a no-regression clause, defining unacceptable impacts, and introducing net gain requirements for offsets. The reforms also aim to streamline approvals through accredited state processes, bioregional planning, and faster assessment pathways to reduce delays and costs. Burke emphasised the creation of an independent National Environmental Protection Agency to oversee compliance and enforcement, alongside improved data transparency and First Nations engagement.