Extended prosecution timeframes and new reporting obligations for environmental and waste offences
Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Private Member's BillAssembly
Introduced by: Andrew Powell (LNP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Prosecutors have two years to start summary proceedings for most environmental and waste offences.
Prosecutors have three years for more complex and serious environmental offences.
The chief executive can keep seized evidence until waste recycling court cases and appeals end.
Conservation officers can now investigate and enforce certain Planning Act offences related to nature conservation.
Environmental authority holders can review and appeal audit notices issued within three years of a previous report.
Entities fail to report bore and baseline assessments to the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment commit an offence.
The government no longer needs to publish draft terms of reference for environmental impact statements.
Authorities can now choose when to require audits for progressive rehabilitation and closure plans instead of every three years.