The Australian Government congratulates the Northern Territory Government on raising environmental standards as part of their ongoing commitment to reforming the Territory’s environmental regulatory system.
This is a clear example of the Australian Government’s One-Stop Shop policy raising environmental standards in Australian States and Territories. Key features of the Northern Territory are designed to meet the national standards set out under One-Stop Shop.
Significant cuts to red and green tape in the Northern Territory will help boost the economy and facilitate jobs and development across Northern Australia.
Under the new system, business will benefit from a simpler and more transparent process, with publicly available assessment and approval policies and procedures, combined with the robust accreditation of government legislation and agency procedures.
Importantly, this increased business certainty will be achieved whilst raising environmental standards.
The reforms include a strengthened audit and compliance role for the independent Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency and the transparent public reporting by proponents on their compliance with environmental conditions.
The Australian Government looks forward to continuing its work with the Northern Territory Government to progress the One-Stop Shop.
(ENDS)