Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024

The majority voted against amendments (1) to (15) introduced by Clark MP Andrew Wilkie (Clark), which means they failed.

Mr Wilkie explained that:

my changes ensure the EPA will be headed by an appropriately qualified CEO who is independently appointed for a fixed term and supported and overseen by a newly established joint committee on the environment and energy. To avoid even a perception of bias, senior staff will be prevented from having any potential conflicts of interest, including employment as a politician or a lobbyist in the five years preceding appointment to the EPA. Surely, at a time when we're seeing the imminent collapse of precious ecosystems, when Australia is a hotspot for extinction and deforestation and when we're already facing unprecedented threats from climate change, a strong independent regulator is more important than ever.