The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes yesterday’s announcement from Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt that the Albanese Government will accelerate its review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and introduce a new legislative package before the end of 2025.
TCCI Chief Executive Officer Michael Bailey said business and industry had long been calling for greater clarity in the approvals process, a streamlined pathway for projects, and stronger bilateral agreements between state and federal governments to ensure Tasmania’s major developments are not delayed by duplication and red tape.
“The Minister’s announcement is a welcome step toward the certainty our members have been asking for,” Mr Bailey said.
Tasmania needs a modern approvals framework that delivers both strong environmental safeguards and timely decision-making. Without that balance, investment confidence is undermined and essential projects in areas from renewable energy to transport, manufacturing and even housing, risk being stalled.
“The TCCI had consistently highlighted the need for predictable, transparent and efficient processes under the EPBC Act, noting that delays of several years have placed major infrastructure projects at risk across the country.
“Tasmania cannot afford to see nationally significant projects like large-scale renewable developments held up by bureaucratic processes that serve no one. What we need is clarity of standards, consistent rules, and approvals that are made in a timeframe that supports our community.
“The TCCI is also calling for well-designed bilateral agreements that empower the Tasmanian Government to make decisions locally, while still upholding robust national standards.
“We want a model that allows Tasmania to assess and approve projects efficiently, but with full confidence that environmental outcomes are being safeguarded. The Federal Government seems to be taking that feedback on-board, but the proof of the pudding is always in the eating.
“The TCCI will continue to engage constructively with the federal government wants draft legislation be released well before it is considered by Parliament.
“Business needs clarity and certainty to invest, and the sooner these reforms are in place the stronger Tasmania’s position will be to capture the benefits of new projects, new jobs and new opportunities.”