Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Act No. 91 of 1999 as amended

This compilation was prepared on 9 November 2012
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 145 of 2012

Volume 1 includes:     Table of Contents
                                    Sections 1 – 266

The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section

The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section

Volume 2 includes:      Table of Contents
                                    Sections 266B – 528
                                    Schedule 1
                                    Note 1
                                    Table of Acts
                                    Act Notes
                                    Table of Amendments
                                    Notes 2 and 3
                                    Table A

Prepared by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, Canberra

  

  

  

Contents

Chapter 1—Preliminary                                                                                                    1

Part 1—Preliminary                                                                                                             1

1............ Short title [see Note 1]........................................................................ 1

2............ Commencement [see Note 1].............................................................. 1

3............ Objects of Act..................................................................................... 1

3A......... Principles of ecologically sustainable development............................. 3

4............ Act to bind Crown.............................................................................. 3

5............ Application of Act............................................................................... 4

6............ Extended application of Act to match extended management of fisheries under the Fisheries Management Act 1991............................................................................................................ 6

7............ Application of the Criminal Code....................................................... 7

8............ Native title rights not affected.............................................................. 7

9............ Relationship with other Acts............................................................... 8

10.......... Relationship with State law................................................................. 8

Chapter 2—Protecting the environment                                                                  9

Part 2—Simplified outline of this Chapter                                                             9

11.......... Simplified outline of this Chapter........................................................ 9

Part 3—Requirements for environmental approvals                                     10

Division 1—Requirements relating to matters of national environmental significance                10

Subdivision A—World Heritage                                                                          10

12.......... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a declared World Heritage property 10

13.......... What is a declared World Heritage property?.................................. 11

14.......... Declaring a property to be a declared World Heritage property......... 11

15.......... Amending or revoking a declaration of a declared World Heritage property            13

15A....... Offences relating to declared World Heritage properties................... 14

Subdivision AA—National Heritage                                                                   15

15B....... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a National Heritage place 15

15C....... Offences relating to National Heritage places.................................... 17

Subdivision B—Wetlands of international importance                                 22

16.......... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a declared Ramsar wetland               22

17.......... What is a declared Ramsar wetland?................................................ 23

17A....... Making and revoking declarations of wetlands................................. 23

17B....... Offences relating to declared Ramsar wetlands................................. 25

Subdivision C—Listed threatened species and communities                         26

18.......... Actions with significant impact on listed threatened species or endangered community prohibited without approval.......................................................................................................... 26

18A....... Offences relating to threatened species etc........................................ 28

19.......... Certain actions relating to listed threatened species and listed threatened ecological communities not prohibited     29

Subdivision D—Listed migratory species                                                          30

20.......... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a listed migratory species 30

20A....... Offences relating to listed migratory species..................................... 31

20B....... Certain actions relating to listed migratory species not prohibited..... 32

Subdivision E—Protection of the environment from nuclear actions        32

21.......... Requirement for approval of nuclear actions..................................... 32

22.......... What is a nuclear action?.................................................................. 34

22A....... Offences relating to nuclear actions................................................... 35

Subdivision F—Marine environment                                                                  37

23.......... Requirement for approval of activities involving the marine environment                37

24.......... What is a Commonwealth marine area?........................................... 39

24A....... Offences relating to marine areas...................................................... 40

Subdivision FA—Great Barrier Reef Marine Park                                        44

24B....... Requirement for approval of activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park          44

24C....... Offences relating to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park........................ 46

Subdivision G—Additional matters of national environmental significance 48

25.......... Requirement for approval of prescribed actions................................ 48

Subdivision H—Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division       50

25A....... Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division........................ 50

Subdivision HA—Limitation on liability for actions of third parties        51

25AA.... Limitation on liability for actions of third parties............................... 51

Subdivision I—Evidentiary certificates                                                             52

25B....... Evidentiary certificates...................................................................... 52

25C....... Certificate to be given to person........................................................ 53

25D....... Evidentiary effect of certificate.......................................................... 53

25E........ Variation of certificate....................................................................... 53

25F........ Revocation of certificate.................................................................... 53

Division 2—Protection of the environment from proposals involving the Commonwealth        54

Subdivision A—Protection of environment from actions involving Commonwealth land         54

26.......... Requirement for approval of activities involving Commonwealth land 54

27.......... What is Commonwealth land?.......................................................... 55

27A....... Offences relating to Commonwealth land......................................... 55

Subdivision AA—Protection of Commonwealth Heritage places outside the Australian jurisdiction     57

27B....... Requirement for approval of actions with significant impact on Commonwealth Heritage places overseas             57

27C....... Offences relating to Commonwealth Heritage places overseas......... 58

Subdivision B—Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions               60

28.......... Requirement for approval of activities of Commonwealth agencies significantly affecting the environment            60

Subdivision C—Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division       61

28AA.... Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division........................ 61

Subdivision D—Limitation on liability for actions of third parties            62

28AB.... Limitation on liability for actions of third parties............................... 62

Part 4—Cases in which environmental approvals are not needed        63

Division 1—Actions covered by bilateral agreements                              63

29.......... Actions declared by agreement not to need approval......................... 63

30.......... Extended operation in State and Northern Territory waters............... 64

31.......... Extended operation in non‑self‑governing Territories....................... 64

Division 2—Actions covered by Ministerial declarations and accredited management arrangements or accredited authorisation processes                                           66

Subdivision A—Effect of declarations                                                               66

32.......... Actions declared by Minister not to need approval........................... 66

Subdivision B—Making declarations                                                                 67

33.......... Making declaration that actions do not need approval under Part 9... 67

34.......... What is matter protected by a provision of Part 3?........................... 71

Subdivision C—Prerequisites for making declarations                                 73

34A....... Minister may only make declaration if prescribed criteria are met..... 73

34B....... Declarations relating to declared World Heritage properties.............. 73

34BA.... Declarations relating to National Heritage places.............................. 74

34C....... Declarations relating to declared Ramsar wetlands............................ 74

34D....... Declarations relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities          75

34E........ Declarations relating to migratory species......................................... 76

34F........ Declarations relating to Commonwealth Heritage places................... 77

Subdivision D—Other rules about declarations                                               77

35.......... Revoking declarations....................................................................... 77

36.......... Other rules about declarations........................................................... 78

36A....... Minor amendments of accredited management arrangement or accredited authorisation process             78

Division 3—Actions covered by Ministerial declarations and bioregional plans             80

Subdivision A—Effect of declarations                                                               80

37.......... Actions declared by Minister not to need approval........................... 80

Subdivision B—Making declarations                                                                 80

37A....... Making declarations that actions do not need approval under Part 9. 80

Subdivision C—Prerequisites for making declarations                                 81

37B....... General considerations...................................................................... 81

37C....... Minister may make declaration only if prescribed criteria are met..... 81

37D....... Declarations relating to declared World Heritage properties.............. 81

37E........ Declarations relating to National Heritage places.............................. 82

37F........ Declarations relating to declared Ramsar wetlands............................ 82

37G....... Declarations relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities          82

37H....... Declarations relating to listed migratory species................................ 83

37J........ No declarations relating to nuclear actions........................................ 83

Subdivision D—Other rules about declarations                                               84

37K....... Revoking declarations....................................................................... 84

37L........ Other rules about declarations........................................................... 84

Division 3A—Actions covered by conservation agreements                 85

37M...... Actions declared by conservation agreement not to need approval.... 85

Division 4—Forestry operations in certain regions                                   86

Subdivision A—Regions covered by regional forest agreements                86

38.......... Part 3 not to apply to certain RFA forestry operations...................... 86

Subdivision B—Regions subject to a process of negotiating a regional forest agreement          86

39.......... Object of this Subdivision................................................................. 86

40.......... Forestry operations in regions not yet covered by regional forest agreements          86

41.......... What is an RFA region?.................................................................... 88

Subdivision C—Limits on application                                                                89

42.......... This Division does not apply to some forestry operations................ 89

Division 5—Actions in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park               90

43.......... Actions taken in accordance with zoning plan................................... 90

Division 6—Actions with prior authorisation                                                91

43A....... Actions with prior authorisation........................................................ 91

43B....... Actions which are lawful continuations of use of land etc................ 92

Chapter 3—Bilateral agreements                                                                               93

Part 5—Bilateral agreements                                                                                        93

Division 1—Object of Part                                                                                      93

44.......... Object of this Part............................................................................. 93

Division 2—Making bilateral agreements                                                       94

Subdivision A—Power to make bilateral agreements                                    94

45.......... Minister may make agreement........................................................... 94

46.......... Agreement may declare actions do not need approval under Part 9... 95

47.......... Agreement may declare classes of actions do not need assessment... 99

48.......... Other provisions of bilateral agreements......................................... 100

48A....... Mandatory provisions..................................................................... 101

49.......... Certain limits on scope of bilateral agreements................................ 103

Subdivision B—Prerequisites for making bilateral agreements               103

49A....... Consultation on draft agreement...................................................... 103

50.......... Minister may only enter into agreement if prescribed criteria are met 104

51.......... Agreements relating to declared World Heritage properties............ 104

51A....... Agreements relating to National Heritage places............................. 104

52.......... Agreements relating to declared Ramsar wetlands.......................... 105

53.......... Agreements relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities           105

54.......... Agreements relating to migratory species........................................ 107

55.......... Agreements relating to nuclear actions............................................ 108

56.......... Agreements relating to prescribed actions....................................... 108

Subdivision C—Minor amendments of bilateral agreements                     108

56A....... Ministerial determination of minor amendments to bilateral agreements.. 108

Division 3—Suspending and ending the effect of bilateral agreements  110

Subdivision A—Suspension and cancellation of effect                                 110

57.......... Representations about suspension or cancellation........................... 110

58.......... Consultation before cancellation or suspension............................... 111

59.......... Suspension or cancellation.............................................................. 111

60.......... Emergency suspension of effect of bilateral agreement................... 113

61.......... Cancellation during suspension....................................................... 114

62.......... Revocation of notice of suspension or cancellation......................... 114

63.......... Cancellation or suspension at request of other party....................... 115

64.......... Cancellation or suspension of bilateral agreement does not affect certain actions     116

Subdivision B—Expiry of bilateral agreements                                            116

65.......... Expiry and review of bilateral agreements....................................... 116

65A....... Expiry of bilateral agreement does not affect certain actions........... 117

Chapter 4—Environmental assessments and approvals                            118

Part 6—Simplified outline of this Chapter                                                         118

66.......... Simplified outline of this Chapter.................................................... 118

Part 7—Deciding whether approval of actions is needed                          120

Division 1—Referral of proposals to take action                                      120

67.......... What is a controlled action?............................................................ 120

67A....... Prohibition on taking controlled action without approval................ 120

68.......... Referral by person proposing to take action.................................... 120

68A....... Actions proposed to be taken under a contract etc........................... 121

69.......... State or Territory may refer proposal to Minister............................ 122

70.......... Minister may request referral of proposal....................................... 122

71.......... Commonwealth agency may refer proposal to Minister.................. 123

72.......... Form and content of referrals.......................................................... 124

73.......... Informing person proposing to take action of referral..................... 124

73A....... Informing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of proposal affecting Great Barrier Reef Marine Park          124

74.......... Inviting provision of information on referred proposal................... 124

74A....... Minister may request referral of a larger action............................... 127

74AA.... Offence of taking action before decision made in relation to referral etc.  127

Division 1A—Decision that action is clearly unacceptable                  130

74B....... Application of this Division............................................................ 130

74C....... Informing person proposing to take action that action is clearly unacceptable          130

74D....... Procedure if Minister is requested to reconsider referral................. 131

Division 2—Ministerial decision whether action needs approval     133

75.......... Does the proposed action need approval?....................................... 133

76.......... Minister may request more information for making decisions........ 135

77.......... Notice and reasons for decision...................................................... 136

77A....... Action to be taken in a particular manner........................................ 137

Division 3—Reconsideration of decisions                                                      139

78.......... Reconsideration of decision............................................................ 139

78A....... Request for reconsideration of decision by person other than State or Territory Minister        142

78B....... Minister must inform interested persons of request and invite comments                143

78C....... Minister must reconsider decision and give notice of outcome....... 144

79.......... Reconsideration of decision on request by a State or Territory....... 145

Part 8—Assessing impacts of controlled actions                                             147

Division 1—Simplified outline of this Part                                                     147

80.......... Simplified outline of this Part.......................................................... 147

Division 2—Application of this Part                                                                 148

81.......... Application...................................................................................... 148

82.......... What are the relevant impacts of an action?.................................... 148

83.......... This Part does not apply if action covered by bilateral agreement... 149

84.......... This Part does not apply if action covered by declaration................ 150

Division 3—Decision on assessment approach                                            152

Subdivision A—Simplified outline of this Division                                       152

85.......... Simplified outline of this Division.................................................. 152

Subdivision B—Deciding on approach for assessment                                 152

87.......... Minister must decide on approach for assessment.......................... 152

88.......... Timing of decision on assessment approach................................... 154

89.......... Minister may request more information for making decision.......... 155

90.......... Directing an inquiry after starting an assessment............................ 155

91.......... Notice of decision on assessment approach.................................... 156

Division 3A—Assessment on referral information                                   158

92.......... Application of this Division............................................................ 158

93.......... Recommendation report.................................................................. 158

Division 4—Assessment on preliminary documentation                        160

94.......... Application of this Division............................................................ 160

95.......... Direction to publish referral information and invitation to comment—no further information required    160

95A....... Direction to publish referral information and invitation to comment—further information required         161

95B....... Procedure after end of period for comment..................................... 162

95C....... Recommendation report.................................................................. 163

Division 5—Public environment reports                                                        164

96.......... Application...................................................................................... 164

96A....... Minister must give designated proponent written guidelines for preparation of draft public environment report     164

96B....... Standard guidelines......................................................................... 165

97.......... Tailored guidelines.......................................................................... 165

98.......... Designated proponent must invite comment on draft public environment report      167

99.......... Finalising public environment report............................................... 168

100........ Recommendation report.................................................................. 168

Division 6—Environmental impact statements                                           170

101........ Application...................................................................................... 170

101A..... Minister must give designated proponent written guidelines for preparation of draft environmental impact statement........................................................................................................ 170

101B..... Standard guidelines......................................................................... 171

102........ Tailored guidelines.......................................................................... 171

103........ Designated proponent must invite comment on draft environmental impact statement             173

104........ Finalising environmental impact statement...................................... 174

105........ Recommendation report.................................................................. 175

Division 7—Inquiries                                                                                                176

Subdivision A—Preliminary                                                                               176

106........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 176

Subdivision B—Establishment of inquiries                                                     176

107........ Appointing commissioners and setting terms of reference.............. 176

108........ Publicising inquiry.......................................................................... 178

Subdivision C—Conduct of inquiries                                                                178

109........ Procedure of inquiries..................................................................... 178

110........ Inquiry to be public......................................................................... 178

111........ Calling witnesses............................................................................ 179

112........ Dealing with witnesses................................................................... 180

113........ Dealing with documents given to commission................................ 181

114........ Inspections of land, buildings and places........................................ 181

115........ Entering premises by consent.......................................................... 182

116........ Entering premises under warrant..................................................... 183

117........ Warrants by telephone or other electronic means............................ 183

118........ Identity cards................................................................................... 185

119........ Contempt......................................................................................... 185

120........ Protection of commissioners and witnesses.................................... 186

Subdivision D—Inquiry reports                                                                         188

121........ Timing of report.............................................................................. 188

122........ Publication of report........................................................................ 188

Subdivision E—Commissioners’ terms and conditions                                188

123........ Basis of appointment....................................................................... 188

124........ Remuneration.................................................................................. 189

125........ Leave of absence............................................................................. 189

126........ Resignation..................................................................................... 189

127........ Termination of appointment............................................................ 189

128........ Disclosure of interests..................................................................... 190

129........ Other terms and conditions............................................................. 191

Part 9—Approval of actions                                                                                        192

Division 1—Decisions on approval and conditions                                   192

Subdivision A—General                                                                                       192

130........ Timing of decision on approval....................................................... 192

131........ Inviting comments from other Ministers before decision................ 194

131AA.. Inviting comments before decision from person proposing to take action and designated proponent       194

131AB.. Minister must obtain advice from Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development................................................................................... 196

131A..... Inviting public comment before decision......................................... 197

132........ Requesting further information for approval decision..................... 197

132A..... Requesting notice from appropriate State or Territory Minister about certain actions               198

133........ Grant of approval............................................................................ 199

134........ Conditions of approval.................................................................... 202

135........ Certain approvals and conditions must not give preference............. 205

135A..... Publication of recommendation reports........................................... 206

Subdivision B—Considerations for approvals and conditions                   207

136........ General considerations.................................................................... 207

137........ Requirements for decisions about World Heritage.......................... 209

137A..... Requirements for decisions about National Heritage places............ 209

138........ Requirements for decisions about Ramsar wetlands....................... 210

139........ Requirements for decisions about threatened species and endangered communities 210

140........ Requirements for decisions about migratory species....................... 210

140A..... No approval for certain nuclear installations................................... 211

Division 2—Requirement to comply with conditions                               212

142........ Compliance with conditions on approval........................................ 212

142A..... Offence of breaching conditions on approval.................................. 212

142B..... Strict liability offence for breach of approval condition................... 213

Division 3—Variation of conditions and suspension and revocation of approvals          215

143........ Variation of conditions attached to approval................................... 215

144........ Suspension of approval................................................................... 217

145........ Revocation of approval................................................................... 218

145A..... Reinstating suspended or revoked approval.................................... 220

Division 4—Transfer of approvals                                                                    222

145B..... Transfer with Minister’s consent.................................................... 222

Division 5—Extension of period of effect of approval                            224

145C..... Application to Minister to extend period of effect of approval........ 224

145D..... Minister must decide whether or not to extend approval period...... 224

145E...... Minister may request further information for making decision....... 225

Part 10—Strategic assessments                                                                                  226

Division 1—Strategic assessments generally                                               226

Subdivision A—Assessment of actions to be taken in accordance with policy, plan or program              226

146........ Minister may agree on strategic assessment.................................... 226

Subdivision B—Approval of taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program   228

146A..... Definition........................................................................................ 228

146B..... Minister may approve taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program                228

146C..... Inviting comments from other Ministers before deciding whether or not to approve taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program.................................................... 229

146D..... Effect of approval of taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program  230

Subdivision C—Considerations for approving taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program                                                                                      231

146E...... Minister must comply with this Subdivision................................... 231

146F...... General considerations.................................................................... 231

146G..... Approvals relating to declared World Heritage properties............... 232

146H..... Approvals relating to National Heritage places............................... 232

146J...... Approvals relating to declared Ramsar wetlands............................. 232

146K..... Approvals relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities             232

146L...... Approvals relating to listed migratory species................................. 233

146M.... No approvals relating to nuclear actions.......................................... 233

Division 2—Assessment of Commonwealth‑managed fisheries         234

147........ Simplified outline of this Division.................................................. 234

148........ Assessment before management plan is determined........................ 234

149........ Assessment before determination that no plan required.................. 235

150........ Assessment of all fisheries without plans must be started within 5 years 235

151........ Assessment of all Torres Strait fisheries to be started within 5 years 236

152........ Further assessment if impacts greater than previously assessed...... 237

153........ Minister must make declaration if he or she endorses plan or policy 238

154........ This Division does not limit Division 1.......................................... 238

Part 11—Miscellaneous rules about assessments and approvals          239

Division 1—Rules about timing                                                                           239

155........ This Chapter ceases to apply to lapsed proposals............................ 239

156........ General rules about time limits........................................................ 240

Division 1A—Variation of proposals to take actions                              241

156A..... Request to vary proposal to take an action...................................... 241

156B..... Minister must decide whether or not to accept a varied proposal.... 242

156C..... Minister may request further information in relation to a varied proposal                242

156D..... Effect of Minister’s decision to accept or not accept a varied proposal 243

156E...... Notice of decision........................................................................... 243

Division 1B—Change of person proposing to take action                    245

156F...... Change of person proposing to take action..................................... 245

Division 2—Actions in area offshore from a State or the Northern Territory 247

157........ Actions treated as though they were in a State or the Northern Territory 247

Division 3—Exemptions                                                                                          248

158........ Exemptions from Part 3 and this Chapter........................................ 248

Division 3A—Approval process decisions not affected by listing events that happen after section 75 decision made                                                                                      249

158A..... Approval process decisions not affected by listing events that happen after section 75 decision made    249

Division 4—Application of Chapter to actions that are not controlled actions 252

Subdivision A—Minister’s advice on authorising actions                           252

159........ Simplified outline of this Subdivision............................................. 252

160........ Requirement to take account of Minister’s advice........................... 253

161........ Seeking the Minister’s advice......................................................... 255

161A..... Minister may decide that advice is not required............................... 256

161B..... Certain provisions of other Acts not to apply if Minister decides that advice is not required   256

162........ Assessment of the action................................................................. 257

163........ Providing advice............................................................................. 257

164........ Reporting on response to advice..................................................... 258

Subdivision C—Assessment under agreement with State or Territory    258

166........ This Subdivision applies if Ministers agree it should...................... 258

167........ Making an agreement...................................................................... 259

168........ Content of an agreement.................................................................. 260

169........ Application of a Division of Part 8................................................. 261

170........ Application of Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part 10................... 262

Division 5—Publication of information relating to assessments        264

170A..... Publication of information relating to assessments.......................... 264

170B..... Information critical to protecting matters of national environmental significance not to be disclosed       265

170BA.. Designated proponent may request Minister to permit commercial‑in‑confidence information not to be disclosed  265

Division 6—Withdrawal of referrals                                                               268

170C..... Withdrawal of referral of proposal to take an action........................ 268

Chapter 5—Conservation of biodiversity and heritage                              269

Part 11A—Interpretation                                                                                              269

170D..... References to business days are references to Canberra business days 269

Part 12—Identifying and monitoring biodiversity and making bioregional plans             270

Division 1—Identifying and monitoring biodiversity                              270

171........ Identifying and monitoring biodiversity.......................................... 270

172........ Inventories of listed threatened species etc. on Commonwealth land 271

173........ Surveys of cetaceans, listed threatened species etc. in Commonwealth marine areas                271

174........ Inventories and surveys to be updated............................................ 272

Division 2—Bioregional plans                                                                              273

176........ Bioregional plans............................................................................ 273

177........ Obligations under this Act unaffected by lack of bioregional plans 274

Part 13—Species and communities                                                                          275

Division 1—Listed threatened species and ecological communities 275

Subdivision A—Listing                                                                                         275

178........ Listing of threatened species........................................................... 275

179........ Categories of threatened species...................................................... 276

180........ Native species of marine fish.......................................................... 277

181........ Listing of threatened ecological communities.................................. 277

182........ Critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable communities...... 278

183........ Listing of key threatening processes............................................... 279

184........ Minister may amend lists................................................................ 279

186........ Amending list of threatened native species...................................... 279

187........ Amending list of ecological communities........................................ 281

188........ Amending list of key threatening processes.................................... 282

189........ Minister must consider advice from Scientific Committee.............. 283

189A..... Certain information may be kept confidential.................................. 284

189B..... Disclosure of Scientific Committee’s assessments and advice........ 285

190........ Scientific Committee may provide advice about species or communities becoming threatened                286

192........ Rediscovery of threatened species that were extinct........................ 287

193........ Species posing a serious threat to human health.............................. 287

194........ Lists must be publicly available....................................................... 287

Subdivision AA—The nomination and listing process                                  288

194A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 288

194B..... Definitions...................................................................................... 289

194C..... Meaning of assessment period....................................................... 289

194D..... Minister may determine conservation themes for an assessment period 290

194E...... Minister to invite nominations for each assessment period............. 290

194F...... Minister to give nominations to Scientific Committee..................... 291

194G..... Scientific Committee to prepare proposed priority assessment list.. 293

194H..... Matters to be included in proposed priority assessment list............ 294

194J...... Statement to be given to Minister with proposed priority assessment list 294

194K..... The finalised priority assessment list............................................... 295

194L...... Publication of finalised priority assessment list............................... 296

194M.... Scientific Committee to invite comments on items in finalised priority assessment list            296

194N..... Scientific Committee to assess items on finalised priority assessment list and give assessments to Minister           297

194P...... Time by which assessments to be provided to Minister.................. 298

194Q..... Decision about inclusion of an item in the Subdivision A List........ 299

194R..... Scientific Committee may obtain advice.......................................... 300

194S...... Co‑ordination with Australian Heritage Council—Committee undertaking assessment           300

194T...... Co‑ordination with Australian Heritage Council—Committee given assessment to Minister   302

Subdivision B—Permit system                                                                            302

195........ Subdivision does not apply to cetaceans......................................... 302

196........ Killing or injuring member of listed threatened species or community 303

196A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring member of listed threatened species or community          303

196B..... Taking etc. member of listed threatened species or community....... 304

196C..... Strict liability for taking etc. member of listed threatened species or community      304

196D..... Trading etc. member of listed threatened species or community taken in Commonwealth area                305

196E...... Strict liability for trading etc. member of listed threatened species or community taken in Commonwealth area      305

197........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 306

198........ Operation of sections 18 and 18A not affected............................... 308

199........ Failing to notify taking of listed threatened species or listed ecological community 308

200........ Application for permits................................................................... 310

201........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 310

202........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 311

203........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 312

204........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 312

205........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 313

206........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 313

206A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 313

207........ Fees................................................................................................. 313

Subdivision BA—Protecting critical habitat                                                   313

207A..... Register of critical habitat................................................................ 313

207B..... Offence of knowingly damaging critical habitat.............................. 314

207C..... Sale or lease of Commonwealth land containing critical habitat...... 315

Subdivision C—Miscellaneous                                                                            315

208A..... Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 315

208........ Regulations..................................................................................... 316

Division 2—Migratory species                                                                            318

Subdivision A—Listing                                                                                         318

209........ Listed migratory species.................................................................. 318

Subdivision B—Permit system                                                                            319

210........ Subdivision does not apply to members of listed threatened species or cetaceans    319

211........ Killing or injuring member of listed migratory species.................... 319

211A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring member of listed migratory species  319

211B..... Taking etc. member of listed migratory species............................... 320

211C..... Strict liability for taking etc. member of listed migratory species.... 320

211D..... Trading etc. member of listed migratory species taken in Commonwealth area        321

211E...... Strict liability for trading etc. member of listed migratory species taken in Commonwealth area              321

212........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 322

213........ Operation of sections 20 and 20A not affected............................... 325

214........ Failing to notify taking etc. of listed migratory species................... 325

215........ Application for permits................................................................... 326

216........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 327

217........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 328

218........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 328

219........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 328

220........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 329

221........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 329

221A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 329

222........ Fees................................................................................................. 329

Subdivision C—Miscellaneous                                                                            330

222A..... Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 330

223........ Regulations..................................................................................... 331

Division 3—Whales and other cetaceans                                                       332

Subdivision A—Application of Division                                                           332

224........ Application of Division................................................................... 332

Subdivision B—Australian Whale Sanctuary and important cetacean habitat areas  333

225........ Australian Whale Sanctuary............................................................ 333

226........ Prescribed waters............................................................................ 333

227........ Coastal waters................................................................................. 334

228........ Minister may make declaration for coastal waters........................... 334

228A..... Important cetacean habitat areas...................................................... 334

Subdivision C—Offences                                                                                      335

229........ Killing or injuring a cetacean........................................................... 335

229A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring a cetacean................................ 335

229B..... Intentionally taking etc. a cetacean................................................... 336

229C..... Strict liability for taking etc. a cetacean............................................ 337

229D..... Treating cetaceans........................................................................... 338

230........ Possession of cetaceans.................................................................. 339

231........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 340

232........ Action to be taken on killing etc. cetaceans..................................... 341

Subdivision E—Miscellaneous offences                                                           343

236........ Offences relating to foreign whaling vessels................................... 343

Subdivision F—Permit system                                                                            344

237........ Application for permits................................................................... 344

238........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 344

239........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 346

240........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 346

241........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 346

242........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 347

243........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 347

243A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 347

244........ Fees................................................................................................. 348

Subdivision G—Miscellaneous                                                                           348

245........ Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 348

246........ Vesting of whales in Commonwealth............................................. 349

247........ Regulations..................................................................................... 349

Division 4—Listed marine species                                                                     351

Subdivision A—Listing                                                                                         351

248........ Listed marine species...................................................................... 351

249........ Minister may amend list.................................................................. 351

250........ Adding marine species to the list..................................................... 352

251........ Minister must consider advice from Scientific Committee.............. 352

252........ Minister to make lists available to the public................................... 353

Subdivision B—Permit system                                                                            353

253........ Subdivision does not apply to members of certain species and cetaceans 353

254........ Killing or injuring member of listed marine species........................ 353

254A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring member of listed marine species 354

254B..... Taking etc. member of listed marine species................................... 354

254C..... Strict liability for taking etc. member of listed marine species......... 355

254D..... Trading etc. member of listed marine species taken in Commonwealth area             355

254E...... Strict liability for trading etc. member of listed marine species taken in Commonwealth area  356

255........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 356

256........ Failing to notify taking etc. of listed marine wildlife....................... 358

257........ Application for permits................................................................... 360

258........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 360

259........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 361

260........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 361

261........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 362

262........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 362

263........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 362

263A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 363

264........ Fees................................................................................................. 363

Subdivision C—Miscellaneous                                                                            363

265........ Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 363

266........ Regulations..................................................................................... 364

An Act relating to the protection of the environment and the conservation of biodiversity, and for related purposes

Chapter 1—Preliminary

Part 1—Preliminary

  

1  Short title [see Note 1]

                   This Act may be cited as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

2  Commencement [see Note 1]

             (1)  Subject to subsection (2), this Act commences on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.

             (2)  If this Act does not commence under subsection (1) within the period of 12 months beginning on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent, it commences on the first day after the end of that period.

3  Objects of Act

             (1)  The objects of this Act are:

                     (a)  to provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance; and

                     (b)  to promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources; and

                     (c)  to promote the conservation of biodiversity; and

                    (ca)  to provide for the protection and conservation of heritage; and

                     (d)  to promote a co‑operative approach to the protection and management of the environment involving governments, the community, land‑holders and indigenous peoples; and

                     (e)  to assist in the co‑operative implementation of Australia’s international environmental responsibilities; and

                      (f)  to recognise the role of indigenous people in the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of Australia’s biodiversity; and

                     (g)  to promote the use of indigenous peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity with the involvement of, and in co‑operation with, the owners of the knowledge.

             (2)  In order to achieve its objects, the Act:

                     (a)  recognises an appropriate role for the Commonwealth in relation to the environment by focussing Commonwealth involvement on matters of national environmental significance and on Commonwealth actions and Commonwealth areas; and

                     (b)  strengthens intergovernmental co‑operation, and minimises duplication, through bilateral agreements; and

                     (c)  provides for the intergovernmental accreditation of environmental assessment and approval processes; and

                     (d)  adopts an efficient and timely Commonwealth environmental assessment and approval process that will ensure activities that are likely to have significant impacts on the environment are properly assessed; and

                     (e)  enhances Australia’s capacity to ensure the conservation of its biodiversity by including provisions to:

                              (i)  protect native species (and in particular prevent the extinction, and promote the recovery, of threatened species) and ensure the conservation of migratory species; and

                             (ii)  establish an Australian Whale Sanctuary to ensure the conservation of whales and other cetaceans; and

                            (iii)  protect ecosystems by means that include the establishment and management of reserves, the recognition and protection of ecological communities and the promotion of off‑reserve conservation measures; and

                            (iv)  identify processes that threaten all levels of biodiversity and implement plans to address these processes; and

                      (f)  includes provisions to enhance the protection, conservation and presentation of world heritage properties and the conservation and wise use of Ramsar wetlands of international importance; and

                    (fa)  includes provisions to identify places for inclusion in the National Heritage List and Commonwealth Heritage List and to enhance the protection, conservation and presentation of those places; and

                     (g)  promotes a partnership approach to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation through:

                              (i)  bilateral agreements with States and Territories; and

                             (ii)  conservation agreements with land‑holders; and

                            (iii)  recognising and promoting indigenous peoples’ role in, and knowledge of, the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of biodiversity; and

                            (iv)  the involvement of the community in management planning.

3A  Principles of ecologically sustainable development

                   The following principles are principles of ecologically sustainable development:

                     (a)  decision‑making processes should effectively integrate both long‑term and short‑term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations;

                     (b)  if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation;

                     (c)  the principle of inter‑generational equity—that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations;

                     (d)  the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision‑making;

                     (e)  improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.

4  Act to bind Crown

                   This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.

5  Application of Act

Extension to external Territories

             (1)  This Act extends to each external Territory.

Limited extraterritorial application

             (2)  This Act applies to acts, omissions, matters and things in the Australian jurisdiction, and does not apply to acts, omissions, matters and things outside the Australian jurisdiction except so far as the contrary intention appears.

Application limited to Australians outside exclusive economic zone

             (3)  A provision of this Act that has effect in relation to a place that is outside the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone and is not on or in the continental shelf applies only in relation to:

                     (a)  Australian citizens; and

                     (b)  persons who:

                              (i)  are not Australian citizens; and

                             (ii)  hold permanent visas under the Migration Act 1958; and

                            (iii)  are domiciled in Australia or an external Territory; and

                     (c)  corporations incorporated in Australia or an external Territory; and

                     (d)  the Commonwealth; and

                     (e)  Commonwealth agencies; and

                      (f)  Australian aircraft; and

                     (g)  Australian vessels; and

                     (h)  members of crews of Australian aircraft and Australian vessels (including persons in charge of aircraft or vessels).

Application to everyone in Australia and exclusive economic zone

             (4)  A provision of this Act that has effect in relation to a place that is within the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone (whether the place is in the zone or in Australia or an external Territory) or that is on or in the continental shelf applies in relation to:

                     (a)  all persons (including persons who are not Australian citizens); and

                     (b)  all aircraft (including aircraft that are not Australian aircraft); and

                     (c)  all vessels (including vessels that are not Australian vessels).

Note:          A reference to Australia or to an external Territory generally includes a reference to the coastal sea of Australia or the Territory (as appropriate). See section 15B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Definitions

             (5)  In this Act:

Australian aircraft means:

                     (a)  an aircraft that is owned, possessed or controlled by:

                              (i)  the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; or

                             (ii)  a State, a self‑governing Territory or an agency of a State or self‑governing Territory; or

                     (b)  an aircraft that is registered in Australia.

Australian jurisdiction means the land, waters, seabed and airspace in, under or above:

                     (a)  Australia; or

                     (b)  an external Territory; or

                     (c)  the exclusive economic zone; or

                     (d)  the continental shelf.

Note:          A reference to Australia or to an external Territory generally includes a reference to the coastal sea of Australia or the Territory (as appropriate). See section 15B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Australian vessel means:

                     (a)  a vessel that is owned, possessed or controlled by:

                              (i)  the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; or

                             (ii)  a State, a self‑governing Territory or an agency of a State or self‑governing Territory; or

                     (b)  a vessel that is registered in Australia; or

                     (c)  a vessel that is flying the Australian flag.

6  Extended application of Act to match extended management of fisheries under the Fisheries Management Act 1991

             (1)  This section applies if:

                     (a)  under the Fisheries Management Act 1991, a plan of management in force under that Act applies to particular fishing activities in a particular area of water; and

                     (b)  the area of water is not within, or is not wholly within:

                              (i)  the Australian jurisdiction; or

                             (ii)  a Commonwealth area; or

                            (iii)  a Commonwealth marine area; and

                     (c)  the area of water is not:

                              (i)  an area of water, rights in respect of which have been vested in a State by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 or in the Northern Territory by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980; or

                             (ii)  an area of water within the limits of a State or the Northern Territory.

             (2)  If, apart from this subsection, a provision of this Act would, or would not, apply in relation to the fishing activities (or in relation to fish or other things taken in the course of the activities) because the area of water mentioned in subsection (1) is not within, or is not wholly within:

                     (a)  the Australian jurisdiction; or

                     (b)  a Commonwealth area; or

                     (c)  a Commonwealth marine area;

that provision has effect in relation to the fishing activities (and in relation to fish or other things taken in the course of the activities) as if the area of water were wholly within:

                     (d)  the Australian jurisdiction; or

                     (e)  a Commonwealth area; or

                      (f)  a Commonwealth marine area;

as the case requires.

Note:          This section is subject to subsection 5(3).

Example 1: Fishing activities in an area of water that is not a Commonwealth area generally do not contravene Part 13. However, because of this subsection, that Part applies to fishing activities to which this section applies as if the area of water were within a Commonwealth area. The fishing activities may therefore contravene that Part.

Example 2: If fish taken in the course of fishing activities in an area of water that is not within the Australian jurisdiction are brought into Australia, this generally constitutes an import (being an import by way of introduction from the sea) of the fish into Australia, which may contravene Part 13A. However, because of this subsection, that Part applies to the fish as if the area of water were within the Australian jurisdiction. The bringing of the fish into Australia therefore does not constitute an import for the purposes of that Part.

Example 3: This section allows a plan of management to be accredited under Part 13 in respect of the entire area of water to which the plan relates (even if some of the area is outside the Australian jurisdiction, a Commonwealth area or a Commonwealth marine area).

             (3)  In this section:

fishing has the same meaning as in the Fisheries Management Act 1991.

7  Application of the Criminal Code

                   Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code (except Part 2.5) applies to all offences against this Act.

Note 1:       Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

Note 2:       Part 2.5 of the Criminal Code (which deals with corporate criminal responsibility) is excluded from applying to offences against this Act by subsection 498B(9).

8  Native title rights not affected

             (1)  To avoid doubt, nothing in this Act affects the operation of section 211 of the Native Title Act 1993 in relation to a provision of this Act.

Note:          Section 211 of the Native Title Act 1993 provides that holders of native title rights covering certain activities do not need authorisation required by other laws to engage in those activities.

             (2)  This Act does not affect the operation of:

                     (a)  the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976; or

                     (b)  the Native Title Act 1993.

9  Relationship with other Acts

Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976

          (1A)  Subsection 70(1) of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 does not prevent a person exercising powers or performing functions or duties under Division 4 or 5 of Part 15, or Division 5 of Part 19, of this Act from entering or remaining on land:

                     (a)  in the Kakadu region or Uluru region; and

                     (b)  in which an Aboriginal Land Trust established under that Act holds an estate in fee simple.

Airports Act 1996 not affected

             (1)  This Act does not affect the operation of the Airports Act 1996.

Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 not affected

             (2)  To avoid doubt, nothing in this Act affects the operation of subsection 7(1) of the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 or regulations made for the purposes of that subsection.

10  Relationship with State law

                   This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any law of a State or Territory, except so far as the contrary intention appears.

 

Chapter 2—Protecting the environment

Part 2—Simplified outline of this Chapter

  

11  Simplified outline of this Chapter

                   The following is a simplified outline of this Chapter:

 

Part 3—Requirements for environmental approvals

Division 1—Requirements relating to matters of national environmental significance

Subdivision A—World Heritage

12  Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a declared World Heritage property

             (1)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on the world heritage values of a declared World Heritage property; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on the world heritage values of a declared World Heritage property.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

             (3)  A property has world heritage values only if it contains natural heritage or cultural heritage. The world heritage values of the property are the natural heritage and cultural heritage contained in the property.

             (4)  In this section:

cultural heritage has the meaning given by the World Heritage Convention.

natural heritage has the meaning given by the World Heritage Convention.

13  What is a declared World Heritage property?

Properties on World Heritage List

             (1)  A property included in the World Heritage List is a declared World Heritage property as long as the property is included in the List.

Properties not yet on World Heritage List

             (2)  A property specified in a declaration made under section 14 (with any amendments made under section 15) is a declared World Heritage property for the period for which the declaration is in force.

14  Declaring a property to be a declared World Heritage property

Making declarations

             (1)  The Minister may declare a specified property to be a declared World Heritage property by notice in the Gazette if:

                     (a)  the property is a property submitted by the Commonwealth to the World Heritage Committee under Article 11 of the World Heritage Convention as suitable for inclusion in the World Heritage List; or

                     (b)  the Minister is satisfied that:

                              (i)  the property has, or is likely to have, world heritage values; and

                             (ii)  some or all of the world heritage values of the property are under threat.

Note 1:       The Minister may make more than one declaration relating to the same property. See subsection 33(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Note 2:       The Minister may make an extra declaration to cover property that is an extension of a property previously submitted to the World Heritage Committee.

Consulting State or Territory before making declaration

             (2)  Before the Minister makes a declaration relating to property wholly or partly within a State or self‑governing Territory, the Minister must inform the appropriate Minister of the State or Territory of the proposal to make the declaration, and give him or her a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposal.

Consultation not required if threat is imminent

             (3)  However, the Minister need not comply with subsection (2) if:

                     (a)  he or she proposes to make a declaration in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b); and

                     (b)  he or she is satisfied that the threat mentioned in subparagraph (1)(b)(ii) is imminent.

Failure to comply with subsection (2)

             (4)  The validity of a declaration is not affected by a failure to comply with subsection (2) in relation to the making of the declaration.

When a declaration is in force

             (5)  A declaration:

                     (a)  comes into force when it is published in the Gazette; and

                     (b)  remains in force (whether amended under section 15 or not) until the earliest of the following events:

                              (i)  the end of the period specified in the declaration as the period for which the declaration is in force;

                             (ii)  the revocation of the declaration;

                            (iii)  if the declaration specifies a property submitted to the World Heritage Committee for inclusion in the World Heritage List—the Committee either includes the property in the List or decides the property should not be included in the List.

Specified period for which declaration is in force

             (6)  The Minister must specify in a declaration the period for which it is to be in force. The period must not be longer than the period the Minister believes:

                     (a)  the World Heritage Committee needs to decide whether or not to include the property in the World Heritage List, in the case of a declaration specifying a property that has been submitted to the Committee for inclusion in the List; or

                     (b)  the Commonwealth needs to decide whether the property has world heritage values and to submit the property to the World Heritage Committee for inclusion in the World Heritage List, in the case of a declaration specifying a property not yet submitted to the Committee for inclusion in the List.

Declarations because of threat in force for a year or less

             (7)  The Minister must not specify that a declaration of a property is to be in force for more than 12 months if:

                     (a)  the declaration is made in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b); and

                     (b)  the property is not a property submitted by the Commonwealth to the World Heritage Committee under Article 11 of the World Heritage Convention as suitable for inclusion in the World Heritage List.

15  Amending or revoking a declaration of a declared World Heritage property

Revoking declarations specifying nominated property

             (1)  The Minister must, by notice in the Gazette, revoke a declaration made under section 14 specifying a property that has been submitted to the World Heritage Committee for inclusion in the World Heritage List if the Commonwealth decides to withdraw the submission of the property for inclusion in the List.

Amending declarations specifying nominated property

             (2)  The Minister must, by notice in the Gazette, amend a declaration made under section 14 specifying a property that has been submitted to the World Heritage Committee for inclusion in the World Heritage List so as to remove from the specification any part of the property that the Commonwealth decides to withdraw from the submission.

Revoking declarations specifying property not yet nominated

             (3)  The Minister must, by notice in the Gazette, revoke a declaration made under section 14 specifying a property that is not submitted to the World Heritage Committee for inclusion in the World Heritage List if:

                     (a)  the Minister is satisfied that the property does not have world heritage values; or

                     (b)  the Commonwealth decides not to submit the property to the Committee for inclusion in the List; or

                     (c)  the Minister is satisfied that none of the world heritage values of the property are under threat.

15A  Offences relating to declared World Heritage properties

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the world heritage values of a property; and

                     (c)  the property is a declared World Heritage property.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the world heritage values of a property; and

                     (c)  the property is a declared World Heritage property.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  An offence against subsection (1) or (2) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

             (4)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision AA—National Heritage

15B  Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a National Heritage place

             (1)  A constitutional corporation, the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency must not take an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place.

Civil Penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (2)  A person must not, for the purposes of trade or commerce:

                     (a)  between Australia and another country; or

                     (b)  between 2 States; or

                     (c)  between a State and Territory; or

                     (d)  between 2 Territories;

take an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place.

Civil Penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (3)  A person must not take an action in:

                     (a)  a Commonwealth area; or

                     (b)  a Territory;

that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place.

Civil Penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (4)  A person must not take an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the National Heritage values, to the extent that they are indigenous heritage values, of a National Heritage place.

Civil Penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Note:          For indigenous heritage value, see section 528.

             (5)  A person must not take an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place in an area in respect of which Australia has obligations under Article 8 of the Biodiversity Convention.

Civil Penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (6)  Subsection (5) only applies to actions whose prohibition is appropriate and adapted to give effect to Australia’s obligations under Article 8 of the Biodiversity Convention. (However, that subsection may not apply to certain actions because of subsection (8).)

             (8)  Subsections (1) to (5) (inclusive) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth agency, Commonwealth or person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth agency, Commonwealth or person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

15C  Offences relating to National Heritage places

             (1)  A constitutional corporation, or a Commonwealth agency that does not enjoy the immunities of the Commonwealth, is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the corporation or agency takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                     (c)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (d)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (1)(c) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A constitutional corporation, or a Commonwealth agency that does not enjoy the immunities of the Commonwealth, is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the corporation or agency takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                     (c)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (d)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (2)(c) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken for the purposes of trade or commerce:

                              (i)  between Australia and another country; or

                             (ii)  between 2 States; or

                            (iii)  between a State and Territory; or

                            (iv)  between 2 Territories; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                     (d)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (e)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (3A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (3)(d) and (e).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (4)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken for the purposes of trade or commerce:

                              (i)  between Australia and another country; or

                             (ii)  between 2 States; or

                            (iii)  between a State and Territory; or

                            (iv)  between 2 Territories; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                     (d)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (e)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (4A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (4)(d) and (e).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (5)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in:

                              (i)  a Commonwealth area; or

                             (ii)  a Territory; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                     (d)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (e)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (5A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (5)(d) and (e).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (6)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in:

                              (i)  a Commonwealth area; or

                             (ii)  a Territory; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                     (d)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (e)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (6A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (6)(d) and (e).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (7)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the heritage values, to the extent that they are indigenous heritage values, of a place; and

                     (c)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (d)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note 1:       For indigenous heritage value, see section 528.

Note 2:       Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (7A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (7)(c) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (8)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the heritage values, to the extent that they are indigenous heritage values, of a place; and

                     (c)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                     (d)  the place is a National Heritage place.

Note 1:       For indigenous heritage value, see section 528.

Note 2:       Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (8A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (8)(c) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (9)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                   (ba)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                   (bb)  the place is a National Heritage place; and

                     (c)  the National Heritage place is in an area in respect of which Australia has obligations under Article 8 of the Biodiversity Convention.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (9A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (9)(ba), (bb) and (c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

           (10)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the heritage values of a place; and

                   (ba)  the heritage values are National Heritage values of the place; and

                   (bb)  the place is a National Heritage place; and

                     (c)  the National Heritage place is in an area in respect of which Australia has obligations under Article 8 of the Biodiversity Convention.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

        (10A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (10)(ba), (bb) and (c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

           (13)  An offence against any of subsections (1) to (10) (inclusive) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

           (14)  Subsections (9) and (10) only apply to actions whose prohibition is appropriate and adapted to give effect to Australia’s obligations under Article 8 of the Biodiversity Convention. (However, those subsections may not apply to certain actions because of subsection (16).)

           (16)  Subsections (1) to (10) (inclusive) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth agency or person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth agency or person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision B—Wetlands of international importance

16  Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a declared Ramsar wetland

             (1)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

             (3)  In this Act:

ecological character has the same meaning as in the Ramsar Convention.

17  What is a declared Ramsar wetland?

Areas designated for listing

             (1)  A wetland, or part of a wetland, designated by the Commonwealth under Article 2 of the Ramsar Convention for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance kept under that Article is a declared Ramsar wetland as long as the wetland or part is not:

                     (a)  excluded by the Commonwealth from the boundaries of a wetland in the List under that Article; or

                     (b)  deleted by the Commonwealth from the List under that Article.

Areas declared by the Minister

             (2)  A wetland, or part of a wetland, is also a declared Ramsar wetland for the period for which a declaration of the wetland as a declared Ramsar wetland is in force.

17A  Making and revoking declarations of wetlands

Declaring threatened wetlands of international importance

             (1)  The Minister may declare a specified wetland to be a declared Ramsar wetland by notice in the Gazette if the Minister is satisfied that:

                     (a)  the wetland is of international significance or is likely to be of international significance because of its ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology; and

                     (b)  the ecological character of some or all of the wetland is under threat.

Note:          The Minister may make more than one declaration of the same wetland under this section. See subsection 33(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Consulting State or Territory before making declaration

             (2)  Before the Minister makes a declaration relating to a wetland wholly or partly within a State or self‑governing Territory, the Minister must inform the appropriate Minister of the State or Territory of the proposal to make the declaration, and give him or her a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposal.

Consultation not required if threat is imminent

             (3)  However, the Minister need not comply with subsection (2) if he or she is satisfied that the threat mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) is imminent.

Failure to comply with subsection (2)

             (4)  The validity of a declaration is not affected by a failure to comply with subsection (2) in relation to the making of the declaration.

When a declaration is in force

             (5)  A declaration comes into force on the day it is published in the Gazette and remains in force for the period specified in the declaration, unless it is revoked earlier.

Specifying period for which declaration is in force

             (6)  The Minister must specify in a declaration the period for which it is to be in force. The period must not be longer than the shorter of the following periods:

                     (a)  the period the Minister believes the Commonwealth needs to:

                              (i)  decide whether the wetland is of international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology; and

                             (ii)  designate the wetland for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance kept under Article 2 of the Ramsar Convention;

                     (b)  12 months.

Revocation of declaration of threatened wetland

             (7)  The Minister must, by notice in the Gazette, revoke a declaration of a wetland if:

                     (a)  the Minister is satisfied that the wetland is not of international significance because of its ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology; or

                     (b)  the Minister is satisfied that there is no longer a threat to any part of the wetland.

17B  Offences relating to declared Ramsar wetlands

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the ecological character of a wetland; and

                     (c)  the wetland is a declared Ramsar wetland.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the ecological character of a wetland; and

                     (c)  the wetland is a declared Ramsar wetland.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  An offence against subsection (1) or (2) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

             (4)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision C—Listed threatened species and communities

18  Actions with significant impact on listed threatened species or endangered community prohibited without approval

Species that are extinct in the wild

             (1)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the extinct in the wild category; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the extinct in the wild category.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Critically endangered species

             (2)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the critically endangered category; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the critically endangered category.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Endangered species

             (3)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the endangered category; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the endangered category.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Vulnerable species

             (4)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the vulnerable category; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened species included in the vulnerable category.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Critically endangered communities

             (5)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed threatened ecological community included in the critically endangered category; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened ecological community included in the critically endangered category.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Endangered communities

             (6)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed threatened ecological community included in the endangered category; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed threatened ecological community included in the endangered category.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

18A  Offences relating to threatened species etc.

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on:

                              (i)  a species; or

                             (ii)  an ecological community; and

                     (c)  the species is a listed threatened species, or the community is a listed threatened ecological community.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on:

                              (i)  a species; or

                             (ii)  an ecological community; and

                     (c)  the species is a listed threatened species, or the community is a listed threatened ecological community.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(c).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  An offence against subsection (1) or (2) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

             (4)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  the listed threatened species subject to the significant impact (or likely to be subject to the significant impact) is:

                              (i)  a species included in the extinct category of the list under section 178; or

                             (ii)  a conservation dependent species; or

                     (b)  the listed threatened ecological community subject to the significant impact (or likely to be subject to the significant impact) is an ecological community included in the vulnerable category of the list under section 181.

Note 1:       The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Note 2:       Section 19 sets out other defences. The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in that section too. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

19  Certain actions relating to listed threatened species and listed threatened ecological communities not prohibited

             (1)  A subsection of section 18 or 18A relating to a listed threatened species does not apply to an action if an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of any subsection of that section that relates to a listed threatened species.

             (2)  A subsection of section 18 or 18A relating to a listed threatened ecological community does not apply to an action if an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of either subsection of that section that relates to a listed threatened ecological community.

             (3)  A subsection of section 18 or 18A does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (b)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (c)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

             (4)  A subsection of section 18 or 18A does not apply to an action, to the extent that it is covered by subsection 517A(7).

Subdivision D—Listed migratory species

20  Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a listed migratory species

             (1)  A person must not take an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on a listed migratory species; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on a listed migratory species.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

20A  Offences relating to listed migratory species

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on a species; and

                     (c)  the species is a listed migratory species.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).

Note:          For strict liability , see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on a species; and

                     (c)  the species is a listed migratory species.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(c).

Note:          For strict liability , see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  An offence against subsection (1) or (2) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

             (4)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

20B  Certain actions relating to listed migratory species not prohibited

                   A subsection of section 20 or 20A does not apply to an action, to the extent that it is covered by subsection 517A(7).

Subdivision E—Protection of the environment from nuclear actions

21  Requirement for approval of nuclear actions

             (1)  A constitutional corporation, the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agency must not take a nuclear action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (2)  A person must not, for the purposes of trade or commerce:

                     (a)  between Australia and another country; or

                     (b)  between 2 States; or

                     (c)  between a State and a Territory; or

                     (d)  between 2 Territories;

take a nuclear action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (3)  A person must not take in a Territory a nuclear action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (4)  Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth agency, Commonwealth or person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth agency, Commonwealth or person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

22  What is a nuclear action?

             (1)  In this Act:

nuclear action means any of the following:

                     (a)  establishing or significantly modifying a nuclear installation;

                     (b)  transporting spent nuclear fuel or radioactive waste products arising from reprocessing;

                     (c)  establishing or significantly modifying a facility for storing radioactive waste products arising from reprocessing;

                     (d)  mining or milling uranium ore;

                     (e)  establishing or significantly modifying a large‑scale disposal facility for radioactive waste;

                      (f)  de‑commissioning or rehabilitating any facility or area in which an activity described in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) has been undertaken;

                     (g)  any other action prescribed by the regulations.

nuclear installation means any of the following:

                     (a)  a nuclear reactor for research or production of nuclear materials for industrial or medical use (including critical and sub‑critical assemblies);

                     (b)  a plant for preparing or storing fuel for use in a nuclear reactor as described in paragraph (a);

                     (c)  a nuclear waste storage or disposal facility with an activity that is greater than the activity level prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of this section;

                     (d)  a facility for production of radioisotopes with an activity that is greater than the activity level prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of this section.

Note:          A nuclear waste storage or disposal facility could include a facility for storing spent nuclear fuel, depending on the regulations.

radioactive waste means radioactive material for which no further use is foreseen.

reprocessing means a process or operation to extract radioactive isotopes from spent nuclear fuel for further use.

spent nuclear fuel means nuclear fuel that has been irradiated in a nuclear reactor core and permanently removed from the core.

             (2)  In this Act:

large‑scale disposal facility for radioactive waste means, if regulations are made for the purposes of this definition, a facility prescribed by the regulations.

22A  Offences relating to nuclear actions

             (1)  A constitutional corporation, or a Commonwealth agency that does not enjoy the immunities of the Commonwealth, is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the corporation or agency takes a nuclear action; and

                     (b)  the nuclear action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

             (2)  A constitutional corporation, or a Commonwealth agency that does not enjoy the immunities of the Commonwealth, is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the corporation or agency takes a nuclear action; and

                     (b)  the nuclear action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment and the corporation or agency is reckless as to that fact.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

             (3)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes a nuclear action; and

                     (b)  the nuclear action is taken for the purposes of trade or commerce:

                              (i)  between Australia and another country; or

                             (ii)  between 2 States; or

                            (iii)  between a State and a Territory; or

                            (iv)  between 2 Territories; and

                     (c)  the nuclear action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

             (4)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes a nuclear action; and

                     (b)  the nuclear action is taken for the purposes of trade or commerce:

                              (i)  between Australia and another country; or

                             (ii)  between 2 States; or

                            (iii)  between a State and a Territory; or

                            (iv)  between 2 Territories; and

                     (c)  the nuclear action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment and the person is reckless as to that fact.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

             (5)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes a nuclear action; and

                     (b)  the nuclear action is taken in a Territory; and

                     (c)  the nuclear action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

             (6)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes a nuclear action; and

                     (b)  the nuclear action is taken in a Territory; and

                     (c)  the nuclear action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment and the person is reckless as to that fact.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

             (7)  An offence against subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

             (8)  Subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision F—Marine environment

23  Requirement for approval of activities involving the marine environment

Actions in Commonwealth marine areas affecting the environment

             (1)  A person must not take in a Commonwealth marine area an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Actions outside Commonwealth marine areas affecting those areas

             (2)  A person must not take outside a Commonwealth marine area but in the Australian jurisdiction an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on the environment in a Commonwealth marine area; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in a Commonwealth marine area.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Fishing in State or Territory waters managed by Commonwealth

             (3)  A person must not take in the coastal waters (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991) of a State or the Northern Territory an action:

                     (a)  that:

                              (i)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                             (ii)  is included in the class of activities forming a fishery (as defined in that Act) that is managed under the law of the Commonwealth as a result of an agreement made under section 71 or 72 of that Act before the commencement of this section; and

                     (b)  that:

                              (i)  has or will have a significant impact on the environment in those coastal waters; or

                             (ii)  is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in those coastal waters.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Exceptions to prohibitions

             (4)  Subsection (1), (2) or (3) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the person taking the action is the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; or

                     (e)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          Section 28 regulates actions by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency with a significant impact on the environment.

Exception—fishing in Commonwealth waters managed by State

             (5)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if the action:

                     (a)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                     (b)  is included in the class of activities forming a fishery (as defined in that Act) that is managed under the law of a State or the Northern Territory as a result of an agreement made under section 71 or 72 of that Act before the commencement of this section; and

                     (c)  is permitted under a law of the State or Territory.

Exception—fishing outside Commonwealth marine areas

             (6)  Subsection (2) does not apply to an action that:

                     (a)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                     (b)  is permitted under a law of a State or self‑governing Territory.

24  What is a Commonwealth marine area?

                   Each of the following is a Commonwealth marine area:

                     (a)  any waters of the sea inside the seaward boundary of the exclusive economic zone, except:

                              (i)  waters, rights in respect of which have been vested in a State by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 or in the Northern Territory by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980; and

                             (ii)  waters within the limits of a State or the Northern Territory;

                     (b)  the seabed under waters covered by paragraph (a);

                     (c)  airspace over waters covered by paragraph (a);

                     (d)  any waters over the continental shelf, except:

                              (i)  waters, rights in respect of which have been vested in a State by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 or in the Northern Territory by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980; and

                             (ii)  waters within the limits of a State or the Northern Territory; and

                            (iii)  waters covered by paragraph (a);

                     (e)  any seabed under waters covered by paragraph (d);

                      (f)  any airspace over waters covered by paragraph (d);

                     (g)  any other area of sea or seabed that is included in a Commonwealth reserve.

24A  Offences relating to marine areas

Actions in Commonwealth marine areas affecting the environment

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in a Commonwealth marine area; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Actions in Commonwealth marine areas likely to affect the environment

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in a Commonwealth marine area; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Actions outside Commonwealth marine areas affecting those areas

             (3)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside a Commonwealth marine area but in the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment in an area; and

                     (d)  the area is a Commonwealth marine area.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (3A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (3)(b) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Actions likely to affect environment in Commonwealth marine areas

             (4)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside a Commonwealth marine area but in the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in an area; and

                     (d)  the area is a Commonwealth marine area.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (4A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (4)(b) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Fishing with impact in State or Territory waters managed by Commonwealth

             (5)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action that:

                              (i)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                             (ii)  is included in the class of activities forming a fishery (as defined in that Act) that is managed under the law of the Commonwealth as a result of an agreement made under section 71 or 72 of that Act before the commencement of this section; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in the coastal waters (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991) of a State or the Northern Territory; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment in those coastal waters.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (5A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (5)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Fishing with likely impact in State or Territory waters managed by Commonwealth

             (6)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action that:

                              (i)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                             (ii)  is included in the class of activities forming a fishery (as defined in that Act) that is managed under the law of the Commonwealth as a result of an agreement made under section 71 or 72 of that Act before the commencement of this section; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in the coastal waters (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991) of a State or the Northern Territory; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in those coastal waters.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (6A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (6)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Penalties

             (7)  An offence against subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 7 years, a fine not more than 420 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

Defences—general

             (8)  Subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Defence—fishing in Commonwealth waters managed by State

             (9)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an action if the action:

                     (a)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                     (b)  is included in the class of activities forming a fishery (as defined in that Act) that is managed under the law of a State or the Northern Territory as a result of an agreement made under section 71 or 72 of that Act before the commencement of this section; and

                     (c)  is permitted under a law of the State or Territory.

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Defence—fishing outside Commonwealth marine areas

           (10)  Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply to an action that:

                     (a)  is fishing (as defined in the Fisheries Management Act 1991); and

                     (b)  is permitted under a law of a State or self‑governing Territory.

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision FA—Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

24B  Requirement for approval of activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Actions in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park affecting the environment

             (1)  A person must not take in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park an action that has, will have or is likely to have, a significant impact on the environment.

Civil penalty:

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Actions outside Great Barrier Reef Marine Park affecting the environment in the Marine Park

             (2)  A person must not take outside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park but in the Australian jurisdiction an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on the environment in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Civil penalty:

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

Exceptions to prohibition

             (3)  Subsection (1) or (2) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the person taking the action is the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; or

                     (e)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          Section 28 regulates actions by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency with a significant impact on the environment.

24C  Offences relating to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Actions in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park affecting the environment

             (1)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.

             (2)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Actions in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park likely to affect the environment

             (3)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.

             (4)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Actions outside Great Barrier Reef Marine Park affecting environment in the Marine Park

             (5)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park but in the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action results in or will result in a significant impact on the environment in an area; and

                     (d)  the area is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.

             (6)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (5)(b) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Actions outside Great Barrier Reef Marine Park likely to affect environment in the Marine Park

             (7)  A person commits an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park but in the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in an area; and

                     (d)  the area is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.

             (8)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (7)(b) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

Defences

             (9)  Subsection (1), (3), (5) or (7) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the person taking the action is the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency; or

                     (e)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision G—Additional matters of national environmental significance

25  Requirement for approval of prescribed actions

             (1)  A person must not take an action that is prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—5,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

             (3)  Before the Governor‑General makes regulations prescribing an action for the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister (the Environment Minister) must:

                     (a)  inform the appropriate Minister of each State and self‑governing Territory of the proposal to prescribe:

                              (i)  the action; and

                             (ii)  a thing as matter protected by this section in relation to the action; and

                     (b)  invite the appropriate Minister of each State and self‑governing Territory to give the Environment Minister comments on the proposal within a specified period of at least 28 days; and

                     (c)  consider the comments (if any); and

                     (d)  if comments have been given as described in paragraph (b)—take all reasonable steps to consult the appropriate Minister of each State and self‑governing Territory with a view to agreeing on:

                              (i)  the action to be prescribed; and

                             (ii)  the thing to be prescribed as matter protected by this section in relation to the action.

Note:          Section 34 provides that the matter protected by this section is a thing prescribed by the regulations in relation to the action.

          (3A)  To avoid doubt, regulations may be made for the purposes of this section even if no agreement is reached on the matters described in paragraph (3)(d).

             (4)  The regulations may prescribe different things as matter protected by this section in relation to different actions prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1).

             (5)  This section applies only to actions:

                     (a)  taken in a Territory or a place acquired by the Commonwealth for public purposes (within the meaning of section 52 of the Constitution); or

                     (b)  taken in a Commonwealth marine area; or

                     (c)  taken for the purpose of trade or commerce:

                              (i)  between Australia and another country; or

                             (ii)  between 2 States; or

                            (iii)  between a State and a Territory; or

                            (iv)  between 2 Territories; or

                     (d)  taken by a constitutional corporation; or

                     (e)  whose regulation is appropriate and adapted to give effect to Australia’s obligations under an agreement with one or more other countries.

             (6)  Regulations prescribing an action whose regulation is appropriate and adapted to give effect to Australia’s obligations under an agreement with one or more countries must specify the agreement.

Subdivision H—Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division

25A  Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division

             (1)  The regulations may provide that a specified action is taken to be an action to which a specified regulatory provision applies.

Note:          For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

             (2)  To avoid doubt, if, as a result of a regulation made for the purposes of subsection (1), a regulatory provision applies to an action, the action is taken to be described in the provision.

             (3)  Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may only specify actions:

                     (a)  taken in a Territory; or

                     (b)  taken in a Commonwealth marine area; or

                     (c)  taken for the purpose of trade or commerce:

                              (i)  between Australia and another country; or

                             (ii)  between 2 States; or

                            (iii)  between a State and a Territory; or

                            (iv)  between 2 Territories; or

                     (d)  taken by a constitutional corporation; or

                     (e)  whose regulation is appropriate and adapted to give effect to Australia’s obligations under an agreement with one or more other countries.

             (4)  Regulations specifying an action whose regulation is appropriate and adapted to give effect to Australia’s obligations under an agreement with one or more countries must specify the agreement.

             (5)  In this section:

regulatory provision means:

                     (a)  a civil penalty provision set out in this Division; or

                     (b)  a provision of this Division that creates an offence.

Subdivision HA—Limitation on liability for actions of third parties

25AA  Limitation on liability for actions of third parties

             (1)  A provision mentioned in subsection (2) or (3) does not apply to an action (the primary action) if:

                     (a)  a person (the primary person) takes the action; and

                     (b)  as a consequence of the primary action, another person (the secondary person) takes another action (the secondary action); and

                     (c)  the secondary action is not taken at the direction or request of the primary person; and

                     (d)  the significant impact referred to in the provision is a consequence of the secondary action.

Defence to offences

             (2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the following provisions do not apply to the primary action:

                     (a)  subsections 15A(1) and (2);

                     (b)  subsections 15C(1) to (10);

                     (c)  subsections 17B(1) and (2);

                     (d)  subsections 18A(1) and (2);

                     (e)  subsections 20A(1) and (2);

                      (f)  subsections 22A(1) to (6);

                     (g)  subsections 24A(1) to (6);

                     (h)  subsections 24C(1), (3), (5) and (7).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Exception to civil penalties

             (3)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the following provisions do not apply to the primary action:

                     (a)  subsection 12(1);

                     (b)  subsections 15B(1) to (5) and (7);

                     (c)  subsection 16(1);

                     (d)  subsections 18(1) to (6);

                     (e)  subsection 20(1);

                      (f)  subsections 21(1) to (3);

                     (g)  subsections 23(1) to (3);

                    (ga)  subsections 24B(1) and (2);

                     (h)  subsection 25(1).

Subdivision I—Evidentiary certificates

25B  Evidentiary certificates

Contravention

             (1)  The Minister may issue a written certificate:

                     (a)  stating that a specified person has contravened, or is contravening, a specified civil penalty provision set out in this Division; and

                     (b)  setting out particulars of that contravention.

             (2)  The Minister may issue a certificate under subsection (1) relating to a particular contravention if the Minister has reason to believe that the person concerned has committed, or is committing, the contravention.

             (3)  To avoid doubt, a certificate under subsection (1) may be issued even if any relevant proceedings under section 475, 480A, 480K or 481 have been instituted.

Proposal

             (4)  The Minister may issue a written certificate stating that, if a specified person were to carry out a proposal to engage in specified conduct, that conduct would contravene a specified civil penalty provision set out in this Division.

             (5)  The Minister may issue a certificate under subsection (4) if the Minister has reason to believe that:

                     (a)  the person proposes to engage in the conduct concerned; and

                     (b)  the conduct would contravene the civil penalty provision concerned.

             (6)  To avoid doubt, a certificate under subsection (4) may be issued even if any relevant proceedings under section 475 have been instituted.

25C  Certificate to be given to person

                   As soon as practicable after issuing a certificate under subsection 25B(1) or (4), the Minister must give a copy of the certificate to the person concerned.

25D  Evidentiary effect of certificate

             (1)  In any proceedings under section 475, 480A, 480K or 481, a certificate under subsection 25B(1) is prima facie evidence of the matters in the certificate.

             (2)  In any proceedings under section 475, a certificate under subsection 25B(4) is prima facie evidence of the matters in the certificate.

             (3)  A document purporting to be a certificate under subsection 25B(1) or (4) must, unless the contrary is established, be taken to be such a certificate and to have been properly issued.

             (4)  The Minister may certify that a document is a copy of a certificate under subsection 25B(1) or (4).

             (5)  This section applies to the certified copy as if it were the original.

25E  Variation of certificate

             (1)  The Minister may vary a certificate under subsection 25B(1) or (4) so long as the variation is of a minor nature.

             (2)  If a certificate is varied, the Minister must give the person concerned a written notice setting out the terms of the variation.

25F  Revocation of certificate

             (1)  The Minister may revoke a certificate under subsection 25B(1) or (4).

             (2)  If a certificate is revoked, the Minister must give the person concerned a written notice stating that the certificate has been revoked.

 

Division 2—Protection of the environment from proposals involving the Commonwealth

Subdivision A—Protection of environment from actions involving Commonwealth land

26  Requirement for approval of activities involving Commonwealth land

Actions on Commonwealth land

             (1)  A person must not take on Commonwealth land an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—1,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—10,000 penalty units.

Actions outside Commonwealth land affecting that land

             (2)  A person must not take outside Commonwealth land an action that:

                     (a)  has or will have a significant impact on the environment on Commonwealth land; or

                     (b)  is likely to have a significant impact on the environment on Commonwealth land.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—1,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—10,000 penalty units.

Exceptions to prohibitions

             (3)  Subsection (1) or (2) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (d)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (e)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process); or

                      (f)  the person taking the action is the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency.

Note 1:       This section protects (among other things) the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place on Commonwealth land, because the heritage values of a place are part of the environment. See the definition of environment in section 528.

Note 2:       Section 28 regulates actions by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency with a significant impact on the environment.

27  What is Commonwealth land?

                   Commonwealth land is so much of a Commonwealth area as is not a Commonwealth marine area.

27A  Offences relating to Commonwealth land

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken on Commonwealth land; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken on Commonwealth land; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(b).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside Commonwealth land but in the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment in an area; and

                     (d)  the area is Commonwealth land.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (3A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (3)(b) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (4)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside Commonwealth land but in the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in an area; and

                     (d)  the area is Commonwealth land.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (4A)  Strict liability applies to paragraphs (4)(b) and (d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (5)  An offence against subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 2 years, a fine not more than 120 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

Note 3:       If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may be guilty of an offence against section 496C.

             (6)  Subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the subsection; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that the subsection is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process); or

                     (e)  the person taking the action is a Commonwealth agency.

Note 1:       The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Note 2:       This section protects (among other things) the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place on Commonwealth land, because the heritage values of a place are part of the environment. See the definition of environment in section 528.

Note 3:       Section 28 regulates actions by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency with a significant impact on the environment.

Subdivision AA—Protection of Commonwealth Heritage places outside the Australian jurisdiction

27B  Requirement for approval of actions with significant impact on Commonwealth Heritage places overseas

             (1)  A person must not take outside the Australian jurisdiction an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in a Commonwealth Heritage place outside the Australian jurisdiction.

Civil Penalty:         

                     (a)  for an individual—1,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a body corporate—10,000 penalty units.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          Subdivision F of Division 1 and Subdivision A of this Division protect the environment in Commonwealth Heritage places inside the Australian jurisdiction because those places are in Commonwealth marine areas or on Commonwealth land.

27C  Offences relating to Commonwealth Heritage places overseas

             (1)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action results or will result in a significant impact on the environment in a place; and

                    (ca)  the place is a Commonwealth Heritage place; and

                     (d)  the place is outside the Australian jurisdiction.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (1A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(ca).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (2)  A person is guilty of an offence if:

                     (a)  the person takes an action; and

                     (b)  the action is taken outside the Australian jurisdiction; and

                     (c)  the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in a place; and

                     (d)  the place is a Commonwealth Heritage place; and

                     (e)  the place is outside the Australian jurisdiction.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

          (2A)  Strict liability applies to paragraph (2)(d).

Note:          For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

             (3)  An offence against subsection (1) or (2) is punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a term not more than 2 years, a fine not more than 120 penalty units, or both.

Note 1:       Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.

Note 2:       An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this section may also be guilty of an offence against section 495.

             (4)  Section 14.1 (standard geographical jurisdiction) of the Criminal Code does not apply to an offence created by this section.

Note:          Section 5 affects the extra‑territorial operation of this section.

             (5)  Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the person is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the person take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (d)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Subdivision B—Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions

28  Requirement for approval of activities of Commonwealth agencies significantly affecting the environment

             (1)  The Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency must not take inside or outside the Australian jurisdiction an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment inside or outside the Australian jurisdiction.

Civil penalty:         

                     (a)  for a Commonwealth agency that is an individual—1,000 penalty units;

                     (b)  for a Commonwealth agency that is a body corporate—10,000 penalty units.

Note 1:       This section protects (among other things) the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place from an action taken by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency, because the heritage values of a place are part of the environment. See the definition of environment in section 528.

Note 2:       This section does not apply to decisions to authorise activities. See Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part 23.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to an action if:

                     (a)  an approval of the taking of the action by the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agency is in operation under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (b)  Part 4 lets the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agency take the action without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of this section; or

                     (c)  the action is one declared by the Minister in writing to be an action to which this section does not apply; or

                     (d)  there is in force a decision of the Minister under Division 2 of Part 7 that this section is not a controlling provision for the action and, if the decision was made because the Minister believed the action would be taken in a manner specified in the notice of the decision under section 77, the action is taken in that manner; or

                     (e)  the action is an action described in subsection 160(2) (which describes actions whose authorisation is subject to a special environmental assessment process).

             (3)  The Minister may make a written declaration that actions are actions to which this section does not apply, but only if he or she is satisfied that it is necessary in the interests of:

                     (a)  Australia’s defence or security; or

                     (b)  preventing, mitigating or dealing with a national emergency.

             (4)  The Minister may make a written declaration that all actions, or a specified class of actions, taken by a specified Commonwealth agency are actions to which this section does not apply.

             (5)  The Minister may make a declaration under subsection (4) relating to a Commonwealth agency’s actions only if he or she is satisfied that:

                     (a)  in taking the actions to which the declaration relates, the agency must comply with the law of a State or Territory (including a law of a State that is applied to a Commonwealth place by virtue of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970), that has either or both of the following objects (whether express or implied):

                              (i)  to protect the environment;

                             (ii)  to promote the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources; and

                     (b)  the impacts that the actions have, will have or are likely to have on the environment, are adequately addressed under the State or Territory law.

Subdivision C—Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division

28AA  Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division

             (1)  The regulations may provide that a specified action is taken to be an action to which a specified regulatory provision applies.

Note:          For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

             (2)  To avoid doubt, if, as a result of a regulation made for the purposes of subsection (1), a regulatory provision applies to an action, the action is taken to be described in the provision.

             (3)  In this section:

regulatory provision means:

                     (a)  a civil penalty provision set out in this Division; or

                     (b)  a provision of this Division that creates an offence.

Subdivision D—Limitation on liability for actions of third parties

28AB  Limitation on liability for actions of third parties

             (1)  A provision mentioned in subsection (2) or (3) does not apply to an action (the primary action) if:

                     (a)  a person (the primary person) takes the action; and

                     (b)  as a consequence of the primary action, another person (the secondary person) takes another action (the secondary action); and

                     (c)  the secondary action is not taken at the direction or request of the primary person; and

                     (d)  the significant impact referred to in the provision is a consequence of the secondary action.

Defence to offences

             (2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the following provisions do not apply to the primary action:

                     (a)  subsections 27A(1) to (4);

                     (b)  subsections 27C(1) and (2).

Note:          The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection. See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Exception to civil penalties

             (3)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the following provisions do not apply to the primary action:

                     (a)  subsections 26(1) and (2);

                     (b)  subsection 27B(1);

                     (c)  subsection 28(1).

 

Part 4—Cases in which environmental approvals are not needed

Division 1—Actions covered by bilateral agreements

29  Actions declared by agreement not to need approval

             (1)  A person may take an action described in a provision of Part 3 without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the provision if:

                     (a)  the action is taken in a State or self‑governing Territory; and

                     (b)  the action is one of a class of actions declared by a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and the State or Territory not to require approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the provision (because the action is approved in accordance with a management arrangement or authorisation process that is a bilaterally accredited management arrangement or a bilaterally accredited authorisation process for the purposes of the bilateral agreement); and

                     (c)  the provision of the bilateral agreement making the declaration is in operation in relation to the action; and

                     (d)  either of the following applies:

                              (i)  in the case of a bilaterally accredited management arrangement—the management arrangement is in force under a law of the State or Territory identified in or under the bilateral agreement;

                             (ii)  in the case of a bilaterally accredited authorisation process—the authorisation process is set out in a law of the State or Territory, and the law and the authorisation process are identified in or under the bilateral agreement; and

                     (e)  the action is taken in accordance with the bilaterally accredited management arrangement or bilaterally accredited authorisation process.

Note 1:       Section 46 deals with bilateral agreements making declarations described in paragraph (1)(b).

Note 2:       Division 3 of Part 5 explains how the operation of a bilateral agreement may be ended or suspended. Also, under section 49, bilateral agreements do not operate in relation to actions in Commonwealth areas or in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, or actions taken by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency, unless they expressly provide that they do.

             (2)  If the action is to be taken in 2 or more States or self‑governing Territories, this section does not operate unless it operates in relation to each of those States or Territories.

30  Extended operation in State and Northern Territory waters

             (1)  Section 29 applies to an action taken on, over or under the seabed vested in a State by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 in the same way that it applies to an action taken in the State.

             (2)  Section 29 applies to an action taken on, over or under the seabed vested in the Northern Territory by section 4 of the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980 in the same way that it applies to an action taken in the Territory.

             (3)  Section 29 applies to an action taken in a Commonwealth marine area to which a law of a State or self‑governing Territory is applied by a Commonwealth law or by an agreement or arrangement under a Commonwealth law (other than this Act) in the same way as it applies to an action in the State or Territory, if the provision of the bilateral agreement has effect in relation to the area.

Note:          A provision of a bilateral agreement only has effect in relation to a Commonwealth area or the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park if the agreement expressly provides that it does. See section 49.

31  Extended operation in non‑self‑governing Territories

                   A person may take an action described in a provision of Part 3 without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the provision if:

                     (a)  the action is taken in a Territory (the action Territory) that is not a self‑governing Territory; and

                     (b)  an Act providing for the government of the action Territory provides that some or all of the law of a State or self‑governing Territory is in force in the action Territory as a law of the Territory; and

                     (c)  the action is one of a class of actions declared by a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and the State or self‑governing Territory not to require approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the provision of Part 3 (because the action is approved or taken in accordance with a bilaterally accredited management arrangement or a bilaterally accredited authorisation process); and

                     (d)  the bilateral agreement specifies that the provision of the agreement making the declaration has effect in relation to actions in the action Territory; and

                     (e)  the provision of the bilateral agreement making the declaration is in operation in relation to the action; and

                      (f)  either of the following applies:

                              (i)  in the case of a bilaterally accredited management arrangement—the management arrangement is in force under a law of the State or self‑governing Territory identified in or under the bilateral agreement;

                             (ii)  in the case of a bilaterally accredited authorisation process—the authorisation process is set out in a law of the State or self‑governing Territory, and the law and the authorisation process are identified in or under the bilateral agreement; and

                     (g)  the action is taken in accordance with the bilaterally accredited management arrangement or bilaterally accredited authorisation process.

Note:          Division 3 of Part 5 explains how the operation of a bilateral agreement may be ended or suspended.

 

Division 2—Actions covered by Ministerial declarations and accredited management arrangements or accredited authorisation processes

Subdivision A—Effect of declarations

32  Actions declared by Minister not to need approval

                   A person may take an action described in a provision of Part 3 without an approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the provision if:

                     (a)  the action is one of a class of actions declared by the Minister under section 33 not to require approval under Part 9 for the purposes of the provision (because the action is approved in accordance with an accredited management arrangement or an accredited authorisation process for the purposes of the declaration); and

                     (b)  the declaration is in operation when the action is taken; and

                     (c)  one of the following applies:

                              (i)  in the case of an accredited management arrangement—the management arrangement is in operation under a law of the Commonwealth identified in or under the declaration;

                             (ii)  in the case of an accredited authorisation process—the authorisation process is set out in a law of the Commonwealth, and the law and the authorisation process are identified in or under the declaration; and

                     (d)  the action is taken in accordance with the accredited management arrangement or accredited authorisation process.

Subdivision B—Making declarations

33  Making declaration that actions do not need approval under Part 9

Declaration of actions not needing approval

             (1)  The Minister may declare in writing that actions in a class of actions specified in the declaration wholly or partly by reference to the fact that their taking has been approved by the Commonwealth or a specified Commonwealth agency, in accordance with a management arrangement or authorisation process that is an accredited management arrangement or an accredited authorisation process for the purposes of the declaration, do not require approval under Part 9 for the purposes of a specified provision of Part 3.

Note 1:       Subdivisions C and D set out rules about prerequisites for making a declaration and limits on making a declaration.

Note 2:       Section 35 provides for revocation of a declaration.

What is an accredited management arrangement?

             (2)  A management arrangement is an accredited management arrangement for the purposes of a declaration that certain actions do not require approval under Part 9 for the purposes of a specified provision of Part 3 if and only if:

                     (a)  the management arrangement is in operation under a law of the Commonwealth identified in or under the declaration; and

                     (b)  the management arrangement has been accredited in writing by the Minister in accordance with this section for the purposes of the declaration.

What is an accredited authorisation process?

          (2A)  An authorisation process is an accredited authorisation process for the purposes of a declaration that certain actions do not require approval under Part 9 for the purposes of a specified provision of Part 3 if and only if:

                     (a)  the authorisation process is set out in a law of the Commonwealth, and the law and the authorisation process are identified in or under the declaration; and

                     (b)  the authorisation process has been accredited in writing by the Minister in accordance with this section for the purposes of the declaration.

Accrediting management arrangement or authorisation process

             (3)  For the purposes of subsection (2) or (2A), the Minister may accredit by written instrument a management arrangement or authorisation process for the purposes of a declaration. However, the Minister may do so only if the Minister is satisfied that:

                     (a)  the management arrangement or authorisation process and the law under which it is in operation, or in which it is set out, meet the criteria prescribed by the regulations; and

                     (b)  there has been or will be adequate assessment of the impacts that actions approved in accordance with the management arrangement or authorisation process:

                              (i)  have or will have; or

                             (ii)  are likely to have;

                            on each matter protected by a provision of Part 3 to which the declaration relates; and

                     (c)  actions approved or taken in accordance with the management arrangement or authorisation process will not have unacceptable or unsustainable impacts on a matter protected by a provision of Part 3 to which the declaration relates.

The Minister must publish in accordance with the regulations (if any) the instrument accrediting the management arrangement or authorisation process.

Note:          Subdivision C sets out more prerequisites for accrediting a management arrangement or authorisation process.

Tabling of management arrangement or authorisation process before accreditation

             (4)  The Minister must cause to be laid before each House of the Parliament:

                     (a)  a copy of:

                              (i)  in the case of a management arrangement—the management arrangement; or

                             (ii)  in the case of an authorisation process—the relevant part of the law in which the authorisation process is set out;

                            that the Minister is considering accrediting for the purposes of subsection (2) or (2A); and

                     (b)  a notice that the Minister proposes to accredit the management arrangement or authorisation process for the purposes of a declaration under this section.

Limitations on accreditation during period for opposition

             (5)  The Minister must not accredit a management arrangement or authorisation process for the purposes of subsection (2) or (2A) under a bilateral agreement:

                     (a)  before, or within 15 sitting days after, a copy of the management arrangement or authorisation process is laid before each House of the Parliament under this section; or

                     (b)  if, within those 15 sitting days of a House, notice of a motion to oppose accreditation of the management arrangement or authorisation process is given in that House—subject to subsection (5A), within 15 sitting days of that House after the notice is given.

          (5A)  If:

                     (a)  notice of a motion to oppose accreditation of the management arrangement or authorisation process is given in a House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days after the management arrangement or authorisation process is laid before the House under this section; and

                     (b)  the notice is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of within 15 sitting days of that House after the notice is given;

then, subject to paragraph (5)(a), the Minister may accredit the management arrangement or authorisation process after the motion is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.

No accreditation after accreditation opposed

             (6)  The Minister must not accredit the management arrangement or authorisation process if either House of the Parliament passes a resolution opposing accreditation of the management arrangement or authorisation process following a motion of which notice has been given within 15 sitting days after the management arrangement or relevant part of the law has been laid before the House under this section.

No accreditation if motion not defeated in time

             (7)  The Minister must not accredit the management arrangement or authorisation process if, at the end of 15 sitting days after notice of a motion to oppose accreditation of the management arrangement or authorisation process that was given in a House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days after the management arrangement or relevant part of the law was laid before the House under this section:

                     (a)  the notice has not been withdrawn and the motion has not been called on; or

                     (b)  the motion has been called on, moved and seconded and has not been withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.

Extended time after dissolution or prorogation

             (8)  If:

                     (a)  notice of a motion to oppose the accreditation of the management arrangement or authorisation process is given in a House of the Parliament (the opposing House); and

                     (b)  before the end of 15 sitting days of the opposing House after the notice is given:

                              (i)  the House of Representatives is dissolved or expires; or

                             (ii)  the Parliament is prorogued; and

                     (c)  at the time of the dissolution, expiry or prorogation (as appropriate):

                              (i)  the notice has not been withdrawn and the motion has not been called on; or

                             (ii)  the motion has been called on, moved and seconded and has not been withdrawn or otherwise disposed of;

the management arrangement or relevant part of the law is taken for the purposes of subsections (5), (5A), (6) and (7) to have been laid before the opposing House on the first sitting day of that House after the dissolution, expiry or prorogation (as appropriate).

34  What is matter protected by a provision of Part 3?

                   The matter protected by a provision of Part 3 specified in column 2 of an item of the following table is the thing specified in column 3 of the item.

 

Matter protected by provisions of Part 3
Item	Provision	Matter protected
1	section 12	the world heritage values of a declared World Heritage property
1A	section 15A	the world heritage values of a declared World Heritage property
1B	section 15B	the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place
1C	section 15C	the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place
2	section 16	the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland
2A	section 17B	the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland
3	subsection 18(1)	a listed threatened species in the extinct in the wild category
4	subsection 18(2)	a listed threatened species in the critically endangered category
5	subsection 18(3)	a listed threatened species in the endangered category
6	subsection 18(4)	a listed threatened species in the vulnerable category
7	subsection 18(5)	a listed threatened ecological community in the critically endangered category
8	subsection 18(6)	a listed threatened ecological community in the endangered category
8A	subsection 18A(1) or (2)	a listed threatened species (except a species included in the extinct category of the list referred to in section 178 or a conservation dependent species) and a listed threatened ecological community (except an ecological community included in the vulnerable category of the list referred to in section 181)
9	section 20	a listed migratory species
9A	section 20A	a listed migratory species
10	section 21	the environment
10A	section 22A