Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024

The majority voted against amendments introduced by Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps (Independent), which means they were not successful.

What did these amendments do?

Dr Scamps explained that:

My amendments to the legislation are simple and are in line with what the environmental community and integrity organisations have been calling for. Simply put, my amendments create an independent board to sit above the EPA, like so many other organisations have. This board would oversee the functions of the EPA and, importantly, select the CEO. The board's functions would include appointing the CEO, determining policies and long-term strategic plans for the CEO, advising the CEO and assessing and reporting on the CEO's performance. The board would have up to seven members, each with substantial experience and knowledge and significant standing in an area relevant to the EPA's functions. At least one board member must be an Indigenous person.