Tania Constable
URGENT UPDATE: Australia’s largest mining group is calling for a critical overhaul of environmental approval laws to be finalized before Christmas 2023. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has urged both Federal Labor and the Opposition to reach a timely agreement that could reshape the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the year, the MCA’s chief executive, Tania Constable, emphasized that modifications to Labor’s legislative proposal are essential to secure the backing of significant players in the mining industry, including heavyweights like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Glencore. “We need a streamlined process that balances environmental protection with economic development,” Constable declared in a recent interview with The Australian.
The government faces an uphill battle as it requires either Opposition or crossbench support in the Senate to push the bill through. Constable believes that with industry backing, the legislation can be passed before the end of this year. She urged the government to negotiate with the Coalition rather than the Greens, highlighting the need for a pragmatic approach to achieve consensus.
“There’s got to be a balance between protecting the environment, building public trust, and actually getting projects up and running in Australia,” Constable stated. The urgency of this situation lies not just in legislative timelines, but also in the industry’s commitment to climate goals. “We are bringing down emissions across the industry, and we are just staying on course to ensure that those emissions reductions are occurring,” she affirmed.
Adding to the momentum, WA Premier Roger Cook expressed optimism about the ongoing reforms, calling the progress “very encouraging.” He reassured stakeholders that concerns regarding project delays could be effectively managed. “I think the time is now to strike the balance, and to get this legislation through,” Cook asserted in a statement on Wednesday.
The stakes are high for Australia’s economy as the mining sector plays a pivotal role. The timely passage of this legislation could unlock significant investment and job creation in the resources sector, directly impacting thousands of workers and their families across the nation.
As developments unfold, the urgency for a deal remains at the forefront. Stakeholders are closely watching to see if the government can navigate the political landscape to secure a favorable outcome before the holiday season. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Australia’s environmental approval process and its broader implications for the mining industry and the economy.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as negotiations continue.
