Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) 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) (11:04): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025 would provide a framework to impose charges in relation to prescribed matters connected with the administration of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The specific activities for which charges will be imposed, and the amount of such charges, will be set out in the regulations. The charges imposed under these bills will be limited to those charges (and amounts of charges) necessary for cost recovery purposes. Any arrangements will be consulted on prior to their imposition.

In commending this bill to the House, I commend the entire package of bills to the House. This report has been waiting for a response for a good five years. The environment needs the response to be made.

Business needs the response to be made. Let's get this done. Debate adjourned.