Question On Notice No. 1501 asked in the Legislative Council on 14 August 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer
to the Labor Party's 2017 election platform in relation to biodiversity, and ask:
(a) what timeframe is the Government working towards for introducing the
amendments to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 that the Labor Party tabled in
opposition, including:
(i) requirement for a State Biodiversity Strategy;
(ii) establishing a Scientific Advisory Committee;
(iii) requirements for public reporting on the state of biodiversity;
(iv) increasing public transparency of decisions that affect biodiversity; and
(v) other improvements;
(b) does the Government intend to improve public reporting on biodiversity
in ways that do not require legislative amendments, and which were recommended
by the Auditor-General in his September 2017 report, 'Rich and Rare: Conservation of Threatened Species Follow-up Audit’;
(c) if yes to (b), what specific measures will the Government implement, and
by what date;
(d) if no to (b), why not; and
(e) when are the regulations for the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 expected
to be in place?
Answered on 12 September 2018
(a) In the 18 months since being elected, the McGowan Government has been working to finalise the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations, which will enable the full proclamation of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It is intended that the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations will be published in the Government Gazette this week and commence on 1 January 2019, which will further strengthen the protection and management of our threatened species and ecological communities. The Government will undertake a review of the Act in due course in consultation with stakeholders. It is intended that this will consider how the Act is operating across its full range of powers, its operation and effectiveness. Potential changes can be considered at that time.
(b) Yes. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is progressing implementation of the recommendations of the Auditor-General’s report.
(c) The Department is developing an integrated species and ecological communities data management system to facilitate reporting on threatened species and communities. Phase 1 of the system is anticipated to be completed in December 2018.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) See answer to (a).