Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2014C00452
Timestamp: 2017-09-25 08:19:07
Document Index: 133117692

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 3']

Details: C2014C00452
- C2014C00452
Act No. 126 of 1994 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2014
An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Environment Protection Council, and for related purposes
sch 5 (items 34-49)
C2014C00452
7 Implementation of national environment protection measures
Part 2—Establishment and membership of the National Environment Protection Council
Part 3—Functions and powers of the Council
Part 4—Meetings of the Council and establishment and meetings of its Committees
Part 5—NEPC Executive Officer and staff
Part 6—National Environment Protection Council Special Account
Schedule—Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment
No. 126, 1994 as amended
This is a compilation of the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 as in force on 1 July 2014. It includes any commenced amendment affecting the legislation to that date.
7............ Implementation of national environment protection measures............. 4
Part 2—Establishment and membership of the National Environment Protection Council 5
8............ The National Environment Protection Council.................................... 5
9............ Membership of the Council................................................................. 5
10.......... Chairperson of the Council................................................................. 6
11.......... Deputies.............................................................................................. 6
Part 3—Functions and powers of the Council 7
Division 1—Functions and powers 7
12.......... Functions of the Council..................................................................... 7
13.......... Powers of the Council......................................................................... 7
Division 2—Making of national environment protection measures 8
14.......... Council may make national environment protection measures............ 8
15.......... General considerations in making national environment protection measures 9
16.......... Council to give notice of intention to prepare a draft of proposed measure 9
17.......... Council to prepare draft of proposed measure and impact statement. 10
18.......... Public consultation............................................................................ 10
19.......... Council to have regard to impact statements and submissions.......... 11
20.......... Variation or revocation of measures.................................................. 11
21.......... National environment protection measures to be legislative instruments 12
22.......... Failure to comply with procedural requirements............................... 13
Division 2A—Minor variation of national environment protection measures 14
22A....... Minor variation of measures............................................................. 14
22B....... Public consultation for minor variation............................................. 14
22C....... Council to have regard to submissions etc........................................ 15
Division 3—Assessment and reporting on implementation and effectiveness of measures 16
23.......... Report by Minister on implementation and effectiveness of measures 16
24.......... Annual report of Council.................................................................. 16
Part 4—Meetings of the Council and establishment and meetings of its Committees 17
Division 1—Meetings of Council 17
25.......... Convening of meetings..................................................................... 17
26.......... Procedure at meetings....................................................................... 17
27.......... Quorum............................................................................................. 17
Division 2—Committees of Council 18
29.......... NEPC Committee.............................................................................. 18
30.......... Chairperson of NEPC Committee..................................................... 18
31.......... Procedures of NEPC Committee....................................................... 18
32.......... Functions of NEPC Committee......................................................... 18
33.......... Other committees.............................................................................. 19
34.......... Withdrawal from Agreement............................................................. 19
Part 5—NEPC Executive Officer and staff 20
39.......... NEPC Executive Officer................................................................... 20
40.......... Functions of the NEPC Executive Officer........................................ 20
41.......... NEPC Executive Officer to act in accordance with Council directions 20
42.......... Remuneration and allowances........................................................... 20
43.......... Leave of absence............................................................................... 21
44.......... Resignation....................................................................................... 21
45.......... Termination of office......................................................................... 21
46.......... Terms and conditions not provided for by Act.................................. 22
47.......... Acting NEPC Executive Officer....................................................... 22
48.......... Powers and functions of acting NEPC Executive Officer................. 22
Part 6—National Environment Protection Council Special Account 23
53.......... Name of Account.............................................................................. 23
54.......... Credits to the Account....................................................................... 23
55.......... Purposes of the Account................................................................... 24
Part 7—Miscellaneous 26
60.......... Powers and functions conferred under corresponding legislation..... 26
61.......... Delegation by Council....................................................................... 26
62.......... Acts done by Council........................................................................ 26
63.......... Regulations....................................................................................... 27
64.......... Review of operation of Act............................................................... 27
Schedule—Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment 28
Schedule 1—Data Collection and Handling 44
Schedule 2—Resource Assessment, Land Use Decisions and Approval Processes 45
Schedule 3—Environmental Impact Assessment 47
Schedule 4—National Environment Protection Measures 49
Schedule 5—Climate Change 54
Schedule 6—Biological Diversity 56
Schedule 7—National Estate 58
Schedule 8—World Heritage 60
Schedule 9—Nature Conservation 61
Annexure A¾Reservation by the Northern Territory 65
This Act may be cited as the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994.
(2) If this Act does not commence under subsection (1) within the period of one year beginning on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, it is repealed on the first day after the end of that period.
The object of this Act is to ensure that, by means of the establishment and operation of the National Environment Protection Council:
This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory, of the Northern Territory, and of Norfolk Island.
This Act extends to all of the external Territories other than Norfolk Island.
Agreement means the agreement made on 1 May 1992 between the Commonwealth, the States, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and the Australian Local Government Association, a copy of which is set out in the Schedule.
Australian Local Government Association means the Australian Local Government Association Limited.
Council means the National Environment Protection Council established by section 8.
national environment protection goal means a goal:
national environment protection measure means a measure made under subsection 14(1).
NEPC Committee means the committee established by section 29.
NEPC Executive Officer means the person who, from time to time, holds the office of NEPC Executive Officer established by section 39 and includes a person acting in that office.
(b) in which an Act that corresponds to this Act is in force in accordance with the Agreement.
(1) It is the intention of the Parliament that the Commonwealth will, in compliance with its obligations under the Agreement, implement, by such laws and other arrangements as are necessary, each national environment protection measure in respect of activities that are subject to Commonwealth law, including activities of the Commonwealth (and its instrumentalities) in a participating jurisdiction.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Commonwealth will apply, as Commonwealth law, designated laws used to implement each such measure in a participating jurisdiction, to the extent necessary to achieve the effect referred to in subsection (1).
(2) A member ceases to be a member if:
The member referred to in paragraph 9(1)(a) is the Chairperson of the Council.
(1) The Prime Minister, the Premier of a participating State or the Chief Minister of a participating Territory may nominate a Minister to be the deputy of the Minister nominated under section 9.
(2) In the event of the absence or unavailability of the Chairperson, or of another member, the Minister nominated as the deputy of the Chairperson or of that other member:
(4) Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under a nomination under subsection (1) is not invalid merely because:
Division 1—Functions and powers
(a) to make national environment protection measures in accordance with Division 2;
The Council has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions, and, in particular, has power to:
(b) obtain advice and assistance from the NEPC Committee or from another committee established by the Council under section 33; and
(g) consult with the Australian Local Government Association; and
(h) direct the NEPC Executive Officer to provide assistance and support to other Ministerial Councils.
Division 2—Making of national environment protection measures
14 Council may make national environment protection measures
(f) the re‑use and recycling of used materials;
(g) except as provided in subsection (2), motor vehicle noise and emissions.
(2) Noise and emission standards relating to the design, construction and technical characteristics of new and in‑service motor vehicles may only:
(a) be developed and agreed in conjunction with the National Transport Commission; and
(b) be determined in accordance with the National Transport Commission Act 2003 and, where appropriate, the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
15 General considerations in making national environment protection measures
In making any national environment protection measure, the Council must have regard to:
(d) whether the most effective means of achieving the desired environmental outcomes of the measure is by means of a national environment protection standard, goal or guideline or any particular combination thereof; and
(e) the relationship of the measure to existing inter‑governmental mechanisms; and
16 Council to give notice of intention to prepare a draft of proposed measure
(1) If the Council intends to make a national environment protection measure, the Council must publish a notice:
(b) so far as each participating State or Territory is concerned—also be published, on at least 2 days during the month when the Gazette notice is published, in a newspaper circulating in that State or Territory.
17 Council to prepare draft of proposed measure and impact statement
Before making any national environment protection measure and not earlier than 30 days after the day on which paragraph 16(2)(b) has been fully complied with in all participating jurisdictions, the Council must prepare:
(1) Before making a national environment protection measure, the Council must publish a notice:
(3) The period specified in each notice under subsection (1) must end not less than 2 months after the day on which paragraph (2)(b) has been fully complied with in all participating jurisdictions.
19 Council to have regard to impact statements and submissions
In making a national environment protection measure, the Council is to have regard, in addition to the matters referred to in section 15, to:
(c) any advice from the NEPC Committee or from a committee established under section 33.
(4) Sections 15, 17, 18 and 19 apply to a variation or revocation of a national environment protection measure as if:
(d) the reference in section 17 to the day on which paragraph 16(2)(b) has been fully complied with in all participating jurisdictions were a reference to the day on which paragraph (3)(b) of this section has been fully complied with in all participating jurisdictions.
21 National environment protection measures to be legislative instruments
(1) A national environment protection measure is a legislative instrument.
(2) A national environment protection measure laid before a House of Parliament in accordance with the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 must be accompanied by:
(b) a summary of the submissions received by the Council in relation to the measure and to the impact statement; and
(c) the Council’s responses to those submissions.
national environment protection measure includes a variation or revocation of such a measure.
(b) despite that failure the Council has substantially complied with the procedural requirements of this Act for making that measure;
Division 3—Assessment and reporting on implementation and effectiveness of measures
23 Report by Minister on implementation and effectiveness of measures
(1) The Minister referred to in paragraph 9(1)(a) is, after each reporting year of the Council, to prepare a report on the implementation of national environment protection measures during that year by the Commonwealth and the effectiveness of those measures.
(2) A report under subsection (1) must be submitted to the Council by the 30 September next following each reporting year.
(a) a copy of the report the Council receives under section 23 and copies of the reports for the year that it receives from State and Territory Ministers under corresponding legislation; and
(b) the Council’s overall assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of national environment protection measures having regard to all of the reports referred to in paragraph (a).
(3) A copy of the report is to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House, after the Council has formally adopted the report.
Division 1—Meetings of Council
(b) must convene a meeting of the Council when requested to do so in writing signed by at least two‑thirds of the members.
(1) At a meeting, a decision of the Council must be supported by the votes of at least two‑thirds of the members, whether present or not.
Division 2—Committees of Council
(1) If a State or Territory ceases to be a participating State or participating Territory:
(2) If the Australian Local Government Association ceases to be a party to the Agreement, the person nominated by the Association to attend and be heard at meetings of the NEPC Committee ceases to be entitled so to attend and be heard.
(3) The NEPC Executive Officer is to be appointed for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re‑appointment.
40 Functions of the NEPC Executive Officer
The functions of the NEPC Executive Officer are:
(a) to provide assistance and support to the Council, the NEPC Committee and any other committee established under section 33; and
(b) to provide assistance and support to other Ministerial Councils as directed by the Council; and
(c) to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of the function referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
41 NEPC Executive Officer to act in accordance with Council directions
(1) The Council may, by notice in writing given to the NEPC Executive Officer, give directions to the Executive Officer with respect to the performance of the Executive Officer’s functions.
(2) The NEPC Executive Officer must comply with a direction given under subsection (1).
(1) The NEPC Executive Officer is to be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration is in force, is to be paid such remuneration as is determined in writing by the Council.
(1) The NEPC Executive Officer has such recreation leave entitlements as are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
(2) The Council may grant the NEPC Executive Officer leave of absence other than recreation leave, on such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Council determines.
(2) If the NEPC Executive Officer:
(d) contravenes subsection 41(2) without reasonable excuse;
The Council may appoint a person to act as the NEPC Executive Officer:
48 Powers and functions of acting NEPC Executive Officer
A person acting in the office of NEPC Executive Officer:
53 Name of Account
(1) The National Environment Protection Council Special Account is established by this section.
54 Credits to the Account
(a) amounts received by the Commonwealth from the States or Territories for the purposes of the Account;
(b) amounts appropriated by the Parliament for the purposes of the Account;
(c) amounts received by the Commonwealth in relation to performing any functions, or exercising any of the Council’s powers, under this Act;
(d) amounts of any gifts given or bequests made for the purposes of the Account;
(e) interest received by the Commonwealth from the investment of amounts debited from the Account;
(f) amounts received by the Commonwealth in relation to property paid for with amounts debited from the Account.
55 Purposes of the Account
(1) The purposes of the Account are as follows:
(a) paying or discharging the costs, expenses and other obligations incurred by the Commonwealth in the performance of the functions of:
(ii) the NEPC Committee; or
(iii) any other committee established under section 33;
(i) paying grants for amounts consistent with the aim of people enjoying the benefit of equivalent protection from air, water or soil pollution and from noise, wherever they live in Australia; or
(ii) paying or discharging the costs, expenses and other obligations incurred by the Commonwealth in undertaking projects with that aim;
whether or not the grants or projects relate to a national environment protection measure or proposed national environment protection measure;
(c) paying any remuneration and allowances payable to any person under this Act;
(d) meeting the expenses of administering the Account;
(e) paying amounts that are required or permitted to be repaid under this Act;
(f) paying for activities that are incidental to the purposes mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e).
(2) However, the purposes of the Account referred to in paragraph (1)(b) are limited to:
(i) purposes related to giving effect to an international agreement to which Australia is a party; and
(ii) purposes related to addressing matters of international concern; and
(b) purposes related to a Territory; and
(c) purposes related to the executive power of the Commonwealth; and
(d) purposes related to matters that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation, and that cannot otherwise be carried on for the benefit of the nation; and
(e) purposes related to matters incidental to the purposes referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).
60 Powers and functions conferred under corresponding legislation
The Council, each committee of the Council and the NEPC Executive Officer have, in addition to the powers and functions conferred on them by this Act, such powers and functions as are conferred on them by the Act of each other participating jurisdiction that corresponds to this Act.
(1) The Council may, by resolution, delegate all or any of its functions and powers conferred by this Act (other than its powers under sections 14, 20 and 63) to the NEPC Committee or the NEPC Executive Officer.
(a) purports to be signed by a member of the Council, or by the NEPC Executive Officer; and
(b) states that the Council has done any act or thing or formed any opinion;
(2) An act or thing done by the Council (whether by resolution, instrument or otherwise) does not cease to have effect merely because of a change in the Council’s membership.
The Governor‑General may, on the recommendation of the Council, make regulations prescribing all matters:
Initial review after fifth anniversary of commencement of Act
(1) The Council must cause a review of:
(b) the extent to which the object set out in section 3 of each such Act has been achieved;
(2) The report of the review is to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 12 months after the fifth anniversary of the commencement of this Act.
· a cooperative national approach to the environment;
· a better definition of the roles of the respective governments;
· a reduction in the number of disputes between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on environment issues;
· greater certainty of Government and business decision making; and
· better environment protection;
ACKNOWLEDGE that the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative and political processes and systems for the development and implementation of environmental policy in a Federal system will be a direct function of:—
(i) the extent to which roles and responsibilities of the different levels of Government can be clearly and unambiguously defined;
(ii) the extent to which duplication of functions between different levels of Government can be avoided;
(iii) the extent to which the total benefits and costs of decisions to the community are explicit and transparent;
(iv) the extent to which effective processes are established for co‑operation between governments on environmental issues; and
(v) the extent to which responsible Governments are clearly accountable to the electorate for the development and implementation of policy; and
SECTION 1—APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION
1.5 A reference in this Agreement to the words “give full faith and credit” to the results of mutually approved or accredited systems, practices, procedures or processes, means that the Commonwealth and the States acting in accordance with the laws in force in their jurisdictions, will accept and rely on the outcomes of that system or the practices, procedures or processes, as the case may be, as a basis for their decision making. In making the decision to accredit a system or practices, procedures or processes, the Commonwealth or the States may make provision for how unforeseeable circumstances or flawed execution may be taken into account. A decision to accept and rely on the outcome does not preclude the Commonwealth or the States taking factors into account in their decision making, other than those dealt with in that system or those practices, procedures or processes.
SECTION 2—ROLES OF THE PARTIES—RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTERESTS
(i) matters of foreign policy relating to the environment and, in particular, negotiating and entering into international agreements relating to the environment and ensuring that international obligations relating to the environment are met by Australia;
(ii) ensuring that the policies or practices of a State do not result in significant adverse external effects in relation to the environment of another State or the lands or territories of the Commonwealth or maritime areas within Australia’s jurisdiction (subject to any existing Commonwealth legislative arrangements in relation to maritime areas).
(iii) facilitating the co‑operative development of national environmental standards and guidelines as agreed in Schedules to this Agreement.
2.2.3 The Commonwealth has responsibility for the management (including operational policy) of living and non‑living resources on land which the Commonwealth owns or which it occupies for its own use.
2.3.3 The States have an interest in the development of Australia’s position in relation to any proposed international agreements (either bilateral or multilateral) of environmental significance which may impact on the discharge of their responsibilities.
2.4.1 Local Government has a responsibility for the development and implementation of locally relevant and applicable environmental policies within its jurisdiction in co‑operation with other levels of Government and the local community.
(i) the Commonwealth and the affected States will cooperatively set outcomes or standards and periodically review progress in meeting those standards or achieving those outcomes; or
(ii) where outcomes or standards are impractical or inappropriate, the Commonwealth may approve or accredit a State’s practices, procedures, and processes; or
(iii) where the Commonwealth does not agree that State practices, procedures or processes are appropriate, the Commonwealth and the States concerned will endeavour to agree to modification of those practices, procedures and processes to meet the needs of both the Commonwealth and the States concerned;
(iv) where agreement is reached between the Commonwealth and a State under (iii) the Commonwealth will approve or accredit that State practice, procedure or process.
2.5.1.2 Where it has approved or accredited practices, procedures or processes under 2.5.1.1 the Commonwealth will give full faith and credit to the results of such practices, procedures and processes when exercising Commonwealth responsibilities.
2.5.1.3 Where a State considers that its interests can be accommodated by approving or accrediting Commonwealth practices, procedures or processes, or an agreed modified form of those practices, procedures or processes, a State may enter into arrangements with the Commonwealth for that purpose.
2.5.2.1 The parties recognise that the Commonwealth has responsibility for negotiating and entering into international agreements concerning the environment. The Commonwealth agrees to exercise that responsibility having regard to this Agreement and the Principles and Procedures for the Commonwealth‑State Consultation on Treaties as agreed from time to time. In particular, the Commonwealth will consult with the States in accordance with the Principles and Procedures, prior to entering into any such international agreements.
(i) notify and consult with the States at the earliest opportunity on any proposals for the development or revision of international agreements which are relevant to Australia and which relate to the environment and will take into account the views of the States in formulating Australian policy, including consultation on issues relating to roles, responsibilities and costs;
(ii) when requested, include in appropriate cases, a representative or representatives of the States on Australian delegations negotiating international agreements related to the environment. Any such representation will be subject to the approval of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and will, unless otherwise agreed, be at the expense of the States;
(iii) prior to ratifying or acceding to, approving or accepting any international agreement with environmental significance, consult the States in an effort to secure agreement on the manner in which the obligations incurred should be implemented in Australia, consistent with the roles and responsibilities established pursuant to this Agreement.
2.5.3.2 On receipt of a request from a State, the Commonwealth will consult with that State. If the Commonwealth requires further information it will seek such information within six weeks. The Commonwealth will, as soon as possible, or in any event within eight weeks after receipt of the original request, or six weeks after the provision of the further information, as the case may be, notify the State whether or not it considers that the matter does involve Commonwealth interests. If it does involve Commonwealth interests, the Commonwealth will notify all other States of the basis and scope of its interest.
2.5.3.4 The Commonwealth and the States recognise the importance of responding to requests made under 2.5.3.1 and 2.5.3.3 in the shortest possible time.
SECTION 3—PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
3.2 The parties consider that the adoption of sound environmental practices and procedures, as a basis for ecologically sustainable development, will benefit both the Australian people and environment, and the international community and environment. This requires the effective integration of economic and environmental considerations in decision‑making processes, in order to improve community well‑being and to benefit future generations.
3.3 The parties consider that strong, growing and diversified economies (committed to the principles of ecologically sustainable development) can enhance the capacity for environmental protection. In order to achieve sustainable economic development, there is a need for a country’s international competitiveness to be maintained and enhanced in an environmentally sound manner.
3.4 Accordingly, the parties agree that environmental considerations will be integrated into Government decision‑making processes at all levels by, among other things:
(i) ensuring that environmental issues associated with a proposed project, program or policy will be taken into consideration in the decision making process;
(ii) ensuring that there is a proper examination of matters which significantly affect the environment; and
(iii) ensuring that measures adopted should be cost‑effective and not be disproportionate to the significance of the environmental problems being addressed.
3.5.1 precautionary principle—
(ii) an assessment of the risk‑weighted consequences of various options.
3.5.2 intergenerational equity—
3.5.3 conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity—
3.5.4 improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms—
· environmental factors should be included in the valuation of assets and services
· polluter pays i.e. those who generate pollution and waste should bear the cost of containment, avoidance, or abatement
· the users of goods and services should pay prices based on the full life cycle costs of providing goods and services, including the use of natural resources and assets and the ultimate disposal of any wastes
· environmental goals, having been established, should be pursued in the most cost effective way, by establishing incentive structures, including market mechanisms, which enable those best placed to maximise benefits and/or minimise costs to develop their own solutions and responses to environmental problems.
SECTION 4—IMPLEMENTATION AND APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES
SECTION 5—REVIEW
Schedule 1—Data Collection and Handling
2. The development of consistent standards for the description and exchange of all land‑related information will be coordinated and fostered by the Australian Land Information Council in conjunction with Standards Australia and specialist groups where needed.
3. In order to avoid overlap and duplication in the collection and maintenance of all land‑related data, the Australian Land Information Council will facilitate the coordination of intergovernmental arrangements (including appropriate financial arrangements) and provide mechanisms to make the data more accessible across all levels of government and the private sector. Any arrangements entered into will detail the circumstances in which the exchange and ongoing sharing of data is appropriate. The intergovernmental arrangements will be submitted to First Ministers for their approval no later than twelve months after the execution of this Agreement.
5. The Australian Land Information Council, (through the National Resources Information Centre and the Environmental Resources Information Network where appropriate) will consult with the relevant national co‑ordination bodies and, through its members, with Commonwealth and State jurisdictions, to ensure the development and maintenance of comprehensive directories of natural resource and environmental spatial datasets and to develop and maintain national natural resource data standards.
Schedule 2—Resource Assessment, Land Use Decisions and Approval Processes
3. The parties agree that policy, legislative and administrative frameworks to determine the permissibility of land use, resource use or development proposals should provide for—
(i) the application and evaluation of comparable, high quality data which are available to all participants in the process;
(ii) the assessment of the regional cumulative impacts of a series of developments and not simply the consideration of individual development proposals in isolation;
(iii) consideration of the regional implications, where proposals for the use of a resource affect several jurisdictions;
(iv) consultation with affected individuals, groups and organisations;
(vi) mechanisms to resolve conflict and disputes over issues which arise during the process;
(vii) consideration of any international or national implications.
4. The development and administration of the policy and legislative framework will remain the responsibility of the States and Local Government. The Commonwealth has an interest in ensuring that these frameworks meet its responsibilities and interests as set out in this Agreement. The Commonwealth will continue to co‑operate with the States in agreed programs.
Schedule 3—Environmental Impact Assessment
(i) the environmental impact assessment process will be applied to proposals from both the public and private sectors;
(ii) assessing authorities will provide information to give clear guidance on the types of proposals likely to attract environmental impact assessment and on the level of assessment required;
(iii) assessing authorities will provide all participants in the process with guidance on the criteria for environmental acceptability of potential impacts including the concept of ecologically sustainable development, maintenance of human health, relevant local and national standards and guidelines, protocols, codes of practice and regulations;
(iv) assessing authorities will provide proposal specific guidelines or a procedure for their generation focussed on key issues and incorporating public concern together with a clear outline of the process;
(v) following the establishment of specific assessment guidelines, any amendments to those guidelines will be based only on significant issues that have arisen following the adoption of those guidelines;
(vi) time schedules for all stages of the assessment process will be set early on a proposal specific basis, in consultations between the assessing authorities and the proponent;
(vii) levels of assessment will be appropriate to the degree of environmental significance and potential public interest;
(viii) proponents will take responsibility for preparing the case required for assessment of a proposal and for elaborating environmental issues which much be taken into account in decisions, and for protection of the environment;
(ix) there will be full public disclosure of all information related to a proposal and its environmental impacts, except where there are legitimate reasons for confidentiality including national security interests;
(x) opportunities will be provided for appropriate and adequate public consultation on environmental aspects of proposals before the assessment process is complete;
(xi) mechanisms will be developed to seek to resolve conflicts and disputes over issues which arise for consideration during the course of the assessment process;
(xii) the environmental impact assessment process will provide a basis for setting environmental conditions, and establishing environmental monitoring and management programs (including arrangements for review) and developing industry guidelines for application in specific cases.
Schedule 4—National Environment Protection Measures
1. The Commonwealth and the States acknowledge that there is benefit to the people of Australia in establishing national environment protection standards, guidelines, goals and associated protocols (hereinafter referred to as measures) with the objectives of ensuring:
(i) that people enjoy the benefit of equivalent protection from air, water and soil pollution and from noise, wherever they live;
(ii) that decisions by business are not distorted and markets are not fragmented by variations between jurisdictions in relation to the adoption or implementation of major environment protection measures.
(i) a standing committee of officials, with one representative being nominated to the committee by each member of the Authority and an observer nominated by the President of the Australian Local Government Association who will seek and present the views of the Association. Each member is entitled to be accompanied by other persons who may be able to assist with the deliberations of the committee. Members of the committee will ensure that the Authority has access to appropriate scientific and technical advice on environmental matters and on the economic and social impacts of the matters considered by the Authority;
(ii) a permanent Executive Officer appointed to a statutory office under the legislation establishing the Authority;
(iii) appropriate personnel seconded or otherwise provided by the parties to conduct continuing or specialist ad hoc tasks, as required by the Authority.
(vi) motor vehicle emissions;
(vii) the reuse and recycling of used materials;
7. The Authority will develop national motor vehicle emission and noise standards in conjunction with the National Road Transport Commission.**[1].
10. Publication of such drafts will be accompanied by an impact statement which includes—
(i) the environmental objectives and reasons for the measures and the environmental impact of not adopting those measures;
(ii) alternatives considered to achieve the desired environmental objectives and the reasons for their non‑adoption;
(iii) an assessment of the economic and social impact on the community and industry as a result of establishing the measures;
(iv) the manner in which any regional environmental differences in Australia have been addressed in the development of the measures.
13. The Commonwealth undertakes to table in its Parliament (in accordance with the Commonwealth’s existing practices in relation to delegated legislation) all measures established by the Authority, and to use its best endeavours to ensure their acceptance by the Commonwealth Parliament.
16. The Commonwealth and the States agree to develop for consideration by First Ministers under clause 23, legislation which will enable the Commonwealth and State Parliaments to authorise the Authority to establish any measures. The legislation will also establish mechanisms for the application of measures in the States. The legislation will ensure that any measures established by the Authority—
(a) will apply, as from the date of the commencement of the measure, throughout Australia, as a valid law of each jurisdiction; and
(b) will, subject to clause 20, replace any existing measures dealing with the same matter.
(i) prepare draft legislation to implement the agreements reached in this Schedule; and
(ii) develop arrangements for consultation with relevant Commonwealth and State authorities, the Australian Local Government Association, and Ministerial Councils.
(i) a standard is a quantifiable characteristic of the environment against which environmental quality is assessed. Standards are mandatory.
(ii) a goal is a desired environmental outcome adopted to guide the formulation of strategies for the management of human activities which may affect the environment;
(iii) a guideline provides guidance on possible means of meeting desired environmental outcomes. Guidelines are not mandatory.
(iv) a protocol is the description of a process to be followed in measuring environmental characteristics to determine whether a standard or goal is being achieved or the extent of the differential between the measured characteristic and a standard or goal.
Schedule 5—Climate Change
1. The parties acknowledge the potentially significant impact of greenhouse enhanced climate change on Australia’s natural, social and working environment, as well as on the global community and global environments. The parties accept and support the need for Australia to participate in the development of an effective international response to meet the challenge of greenhouse enhanced climate change and note Australia’s participation in the development of an international convention on climate change.
2. The parties note their endorsement of the decision to adopt an interim planning target to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions (not controlled by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer) based on 1988 levels, by the year 2000 and reducing these emissions by 20% by the year 2005. The parties reiterate their support, as agreed in October 1990, for the interim planning target to form the basis of development of the National Greenhouse Response Strategy, subject to Australia not implementing response measures that would have net adverse economic impacts nationally or on Australia’s trade competitiveness, in the absence of similar action by major greenhouse gas producing countries. The parties agree that assessment of the implementation of the National Greenhouse Response Strategy against this agreed objective will be reviewed at Special Premiers’ Conferences.
· limiting emissions of all greenhouse gases, not controlled by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
· conducting further research;
· adapting to the impacts of climate change; and
· ensuring that the community understands the need for early action on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(i) to facilitate the development and co‑ordination of an overall framework for the National Greenhouse Response Strategy;
(ii) to consult with the Standing Committees of Ministerial Councils on elements for inclusion in the Strategy and activities of the Ministerial Councils and other specialised bodies such as the National Greenhouse Advisory Committee, and make recommendations to First Ministers on proposed courses of action;
(iii) to encourage development of the strategy in areas where it is not being handled elsewhere;
(iv) to present the Strategy to First Ministers for consideration/adoption;
(v) to recommend to First Ministers requirements for further development of the Strategy as implementation proceeds.
Schedule 6—Biological Diversity
7. The Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, in consultation with and, where appropriate, joint co‑ operation with, other Ministerial Councils, the agencies referred to in clause 5 and relevant organisations, will forward to First Ministers advice on:
(i) the implications of implementing the proposed Convention; and
(ii) the manner in which implementation of the proposed Convention may be undertaken.
Schedule 7—National Estate
1. he parties acknowledge that the primary role of the Australian Heritage Commission is to identify the National Estate and advise the Commonwealth on its conservation.
11. Where there is an accredited or joint assessment of national estate values of the Commonwealth and/or the States will give full faith and credit to the results of such assessment when exercising their responsibilities.
Schedule 8—World Heritage
1. The States recognise that the Commonwealth has an international obligation as a party to the World Heritage Convention to ensure the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future generations of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage of ‘outstanding universal value’.
5. Arrangements for the management of a property will be determined as far as practicable prior to the nomination. The management arrangements will take into consideration the continuation of the State’s management responsibilities for the property while preserving the Commonwealth’s responsibilities under the World Heritage Convention.
Schedule 9—Nature Conservation
1. The parties agree that each level of Government has responsibilities for the protection of flora and fauna and should use their best endeavours to ensure the survival of species and ecological communities, both terrestrial and acquatic, that make up Australia’s biota. The parties recognise that the protection and sound management of natural habitats is of fundamental importance to this aim and that all levels of Government should use their best endeavours to conserve areas critical to the protection of Australia’s flora and fauna and the maintenance of ecological processes that ensure biological productivity and stability.
—management of areas that lie within its own jurisdiction including the external territories and the Jervis Bay Territory, Commonwealth places and marine areas;
—Australia’s obligations under international law including under treaties;
—exports, imports and quarantine.
8. The report referred to in clause 7 will take into account the preparation of an ‘Australian National Strategy for the Conservation of Species and Communities Threatened With Extinction’ by the Endangered Species Advisory Committee which was established to advise the Commonwealth Minister of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and the Territories and will include the following:
(i) the identification of Australia’s rare, vulnerable and endangered species of flora and fauna;
(ii) the options for off reserve protection of species and habitats to complement the reserve system and the identification of ecologically significant remnant vegetation;
(iii) the manner in which all levels of Government might ensure that land or resource use decision making processes explicitly identify circumstances where there is an impact on identified rare, vulnerable and endangered species and assess the nature of this impact prior to taking a decision;
(iv) the development of mechanisms on a cooperative basis to address cross‑jurisdictional problems;
(v) the setting of outcomes and goals and the allocation of tasks in relation to all States and the Commonwealth and monitoring and reporting on the achievement of those outcomes and goals;
(vi) the co‑ordination of any research initiatives;
(vii) the resource and financial implications and impacts of any national approach.
9. The parties recognise the threat posed on both the natural environment and agricultural and maricultural production by pest species of introduced plants and animals and acknowledge that a cooperative national approach to their control has the potential to produce savings from a reduction of duplication of existing effort. The parties agree that the Commonwealth’s role should be one of facilitating co‑ordinated State efforts within its national approach. Due to the nature of the threat, coordination of a national approach should be undertaken through the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, the Australian Agricultural Council and the Australian Fisheries Council.
10. The parties agree to co‑operate in fulfilling Australia’s commitments under international nature conservation treaties and recognise the Commonwealth’s responsibilities in ensuring that those commitments are met.
11. The parties recognise the Commonwealth’s responsibilities with regard to the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the export of wildlife and wildlife products. The Commonwealth and the States agree to cooperate in the development of improved intergovernmental arrangements for regulating commercial use of native wildlife, including setting of nationally sustainable harvesting levels, establishment of national standards in marketing of wildlife products, and streamlining of permits and regulatory controls and enforcement.
12. The parties agree that the management of parks and protected areas is largely a function of the States. The Commonwealth has a responsibility for parks and protected areas on its own land and any parks or protected areas it establishes in Australia’s maritime areas (subject to any existing Commonwealth legislative arrangements in relation to maritime areas), and to assist the States with common concerns which have been identified by the Commonwealth and the States to have national implications.
15. The parties further recognise that the establishment and management of a reserve system is not in itself sufficient to ensure the protection of Australia’s flora and fauna. Off‑reserve protection and management, particularly of remnant vegetation, are also required. The parties recognise the need for national co‑operation to ensure that remnants that are ecologically significant on a national scale are identified; management and protection arrangements are consistent across borders; research initiatives are co‑ordinated and not duplicated; and that off‑reserve protection activities complement the reserve system.
16. The Commonwealth and the States agree to co‑operate in the development of actions outlined in this schedule and that the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council be the primary forum of all co‑ordination of nationwide nature conservation functions.
Annexure A¾Reservation by the Northern Territory
126, 1994
15 Sept 1995 (see Gazette 1995, No. GN36)
Schedule 2 (items 949, 950): 1 Jan 1998 (see Gazette 1997, No. GN49) (a)
Schedule 1 (items 623–626): 5 Dec 1999 (see Gazette 1999, No. S584) (b)
Schedule 1: 19 Dec 2003
Schedule 1 (items 1, 2, 4–8) and Schedule 2: 15 Jan 2004 (see s. 2(1) and Gazette 2003, No. GN47)
Schedule 5 (items 141, 142): 19 Apr 2011
Schedule 3 (items 122–124, 343): Royal Assent
Sch 5 (items 34–49): 1 July 2014 (s 2(1) item 3)
(a) The National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 was amended by Schedule 2 (items 949 and 950) only of the Audit (Transitional and Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 1997, subsection 2(2) of which provides as follows:
(b) The National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 was amended by Schedule 1 (items 623–626) only of the Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999, subsections 2(1) and (2) of which provide as follows:
am. No. 142, 2002; No. 5, 2011; No 62, 2014
am. No. 142, 2002; No 62, 2014
am. No. 82, 2003
am. No. 142, 2002
Div. 2A of Part 3.................
ad. No. 142, 2002
hdg to Pt 5...........................
Div 1 of Pt 5.......................
hdg to Div 2 of Pt 5.............
Div 3 of Pt 5.......................
s 52.....................................
rep No 62. 2014
hdg to Pt 6...........................
s 57.....................................
Subhead. to s. 64(1) ...........
** See Northern Territory reservation at Annexure A[1]