National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025

Mr BURKE (Watson—Minister for the Arts, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Cyber Security, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and Leader of the House) (10:55): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025 would establish a statutory Commonwealth entity known as the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA).

An independent environmental regulator is central to an Australia which is focused on environmental protection and the restoration of public accountability and trust. The National EPA would be Australia's first national, independent environmental protection agency with strong new powers and penalties to better protect and restore Australia's unique environment.

The National EPA Bill accompanies a suite of amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The amendments will deliver stronger protections and restoration for the environment, more efficient and robust project assessments to support our economy, and greater accountability and trust in decision-making. I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.