AusIMM experts contribute to Queensland Environmental Act Review

AusIMM has provided an initial series of recommendations to the Queensland Government as part of its review the state’s Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld), which aims to realise operational efficiencies in the implementation of the Act. 

Our first submissions share insights from our Social & Environment Society experts, emphasising the need to balance regulatory efficiency with procedural transparency, legislative accountability and effective environmental management.

We emphasise that effective regulation plays out at the project level, and that a prudent approach is required to ensure a ‘one size fits all’ assumption does not compromise regulatory outcomes or reduce community confidence in our sector’s responsible custodianship of significant cultural and environmental values.

Our submission outlines several specific messages for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation:

• The crucial role of AusIMM's Code of Ethics, Professional Standards, and broader governance framework as a foundation for professional regulation and performance in the resources sector.
• The imperative for environmental subject matter experts to provide feedback on regulatory and other subordinate legislative material developed under the Act.
• The value in engaging this same expertise to provide balanced and credible advice on all regulatory policy and practice under the Act.
• The need for phased, detailed consultation as part of the current review.

"Engaging directly with government on these foundational pieces of legislation ensures that regulatory frameworks are both robust and practical," said Stephen Durkin, AusIMM CEO. "The technical expertise of our members is key to delivering positive environmental outcomes for Queensland."

AusIMM is also partnering with the Co-Operative Research Centre for Transition in Mining Economies to convene a Policy Forum in Brisbane this month. The Forum will bring together industry, peak body, research and government leaders to define priorities for the beneficial and productive use of post-mining land in Australia. It's a reflection of the shared leadership we exercise as the sector's peak professional voice, and the role we all must play in providing balanced, evidence-backed advice that advances our sector for the community's benefit.

We look forward to continuing to consult with the Department as part of the EP Act review.

You can read AusIMM's initial submission to the Queensland Environmental Protection Act Review here.