Government is working with stakeholders in forums to raise and discuss issues related to environmental regulation of the petroleum, mineral exploration and mining industries.
The Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP), Industry Reference Group for Mining Proposal Reform, Reforming Environmental Regulation Advisory Panel (RERAP) and Environment Liaison Committee (ELC) were group’s setup by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) whose members comprised of industry, community, conservation and government representatives.
Industry groups administered by the department do not have decision making powers and are not involved in the day-to-day functioning, specific regulatory decisions, processes or administration of the department and are specifically setup to assist the department in its decisions as they relate to environmental reform.
Industry Reference Group for Mining Proposal Reform
DMIRS setup the Industry Reference Group for Mining Proposal Reform in 2014 to work closely with industry in developing the shape and content of the new Guideline for Mining Proposals in Western Australia – April 2016.
Upon release of the new guideline in 2016, DMIRS continued to collaborate with the group on its implementation including the development of new internal and external processes and training. The stakeholder group concluded in 2017.
Environment Liaison Committee (ELC)
The ELC was formed in 2016 and was setup by the DMIRS as an advisory body continuing the stakeholder engagement initiatives of the Reforming Environmental Regulation (RER) program following the conclusion of the Reforming Environmental Regulation Advisory Panel (RERAP) in 2015. The ELC concluded recently in 2018.
ELC’s objective was to:
- provide advice to DMIRS on policy, legislative and regulatory reform;
- identify opportunities to enhance environmental regulatory services in line with the principles of best practice environmental regulation; and
- identify key emerging issues in environmental regulation.
Minutes and agendas:
Reforming Environmental Regulation Advisory Panel (RERAP)
RERAP was established in 2013 providing advice to the department’s Director General and its Reform Group project team. RERAP concluded in 2015.
RERAP’s objective was to:
- implement an environmental regulatory framework for the Western Australian mineral and energy resources sector,
- implement a business model that ensured efficient service delivery strategies,
- establish clear and appropriate environmental objectives,
- develop meaningful outcomes-based performance indicators,
- establish clear and enforceable environmental obligations for mining activities, and
- implement a robust and transparent relinquishment and abandonment process.
Minutes and agendas
Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP)
MAP was established in June 2012 to provide advice to the Minister, the Hon. Bill Marmion with the Hon. Cheryl Edwardes as the independent Chair on Reforming Environmental Regulation (RER). MAP concluded in December 2012.
MAP established the following four Working Groups to undertake detailed consultation and provide advice on tools and strategies for the reforms:
- Compliance Working Group
- Governance Working Group
- Approvals Working Group
- Petroleum Environment Working Group
RER was a program setup in 2012 by DMIRS to fully implement a best practice regulatory framework and intended to:
- Remove duplication across DMIRS and with other State and Commonwealth agencies
- Increase the level of transparency for industry and the community
- Ensure that DMIRS’ legislative base is clear and enforceable
- Ensure regulatory framework is risk and outcomes based
- Ensure regulatory effort is targeted, proportionate, effective, efficient and timely;
- Incorporate ongoing monitoring and reform into the process; and
- Ensure that any reforms have been developed in consultation with all stakeholders.
Ministerial Advisory Panel Background Sessions – overview of the department’s environmental regulation functions
Reforming Environmental Regulation in the WA Resources Industry - 2012 - A look in the Reforming Environmental Regulation of the Western Australian Resources Industry
More Information
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Stakeholder and community engagement – Find drafts open for public consultation and discover what DMIRS is doing to maintain the confidence of stakeholders.
RER Group eNewsletter – An online periodical containing the department’s latest news updates and events.