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Major reform of environmental regulation announced

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

With considerable reforms to resources safety and approvals, the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) is now turning its focus to environmental reforms.

Today the department announced the commencement of the program, which will be known as Reforming Environmental Regulation (RER).

The RER objectives and implementation plan foreshadows the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Panel, which will formally include RER program stakeholders.

The panel will operate from June to December 2012, with an initial objective to establish the scope and functions of working groups to progress the reforms.

The establishment of a dedicated RER Implementation Team within DMP, will play an important role in implementing the reforms.

Specific reform workshops will be held for detailed input and collaboration on particular projects.

This builds on the knowledge gained from consultation with industry groups and government agencies, through stakeholder workshops held by DMP in early 2012.

Ongoing stakeholder engagement will guide the development of the specific details and actions of the RER program.

It is the aim of the RER Implementation Team that procedural, policy and legislative reforms required will be identified by February 2013.

The RER program will help deliver greater certainty, confidence and clarity surrounding the department’s environmental regulatory system for all stakeholders.

Importantly, the reforms will strengthen the enforcement capacity of the department.

The State, industry and the community will directly benefit from these reforms through more effective application of environmental standards within the industry, and a more responsive regulatory agency.

For further information contact Dr Phil Gorey, Executive Director Environment Division on 9222 3290.

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