Contents
Chapter 1—Preliminary 1
Part 1—Preliminary 1
1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1
2............ Commencement................................................................................... 1
3............ Objects of Act..................................................................................... 1
3A......... Principles of ecologically sustainable development............................. 3
4............ Act to bind Crown.............................................................................. 4
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....................................................... 8
8............ Native title rights not affected.............................................................. 8
9............ Relationship with other Acts............................................................... 8
10.......... Relationship with State law................................................................. 9
Chapter 2—Protecting the environment 10
Part 2—Simplified outline of this Chapter 10
11.......... Simplified outline of this Chapter...................................................... 10
Part 3—Requirements for environmental approvals 11
Division 1—Requirements relating to matters of national environmental significance 11
Subdivision A—World Heritage 11
12.......... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a declared World Heritage property 11
13.......... What is a declared World Heritage property?.................................. 12
14.......... Declaring a property to be a declared World Heritage property......... 12
15.......... Amending or revoking a declaration of a declared World Heritage property 15
15A....... Offences relating to declared World Heritage properties................... 15
Subdivision AA—National Heritage 17
15B....... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a National Heritage place 17
15C....... Offences relating to National Heritage places.................................... 19
Subdivision B—Wetlands of international importance 25
16.......... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a declared Ramsar wetland 25
17.......... What is a declared Ramsar wetland?................................................ 26
17A....... Making and revoking declarations of wetlands................................. 26
17B....... Offences relating to declared Ramsar wetlands................................. 28
Subdivision C—Listed threatened species and communities 29
18.......... Actions with significant impact on listed threatened species or endangered community prohibited without approval.......................................................................................................... 29
18A....... Offences relating to threatened species etc........................................ 31
19.......... Certain actions relating to listed threatened species and listed threatened ecological communities not prohibited 33
Subdivision D—Listed migratory species 34
20.......... Requirement for approval of activities with a significant impact on a listed migratory species 34
20A....... Offences relating to listed migratory species..................................... 34
20B....... Certain actions relating to listed migratory species not prohibited..... 36
Subdivision E—Protection of the environment from nuclear actions 36
21.......... Requirement for approval of nuclear actions..................................... 36
22.......... What is a nuclear action?.................................................................. 37
22A....... Offences relating to nuclear actions................................................... 39
Subdivision F—Marine environment 41
23.......... Requirement for approval of activities involving the marine environment 41
24.......... What is a Commonwealth marine area?........................................... 44
24A....... Offences relating to marine areas...................................................... 44
Subdivision FA—Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 49
24B....... Requirement for approval of activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 49
24C....... Offences relating to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park........................ 50
Subdivision FB—Protection of water resources from coal seam gas development and large coal mining development 53
24D....... Requirement for approval of developments with a significant impact on water resources 53
24E........ Offences relating to water resources................................................. 55
Subdivision G—Additional matters of national environmental significance 57
25.......... Requirement for approval of prescribed actions................................ 57
Subdivision H—Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division 59
25A....... Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division........................ 59
Subdivision HA—Limitation on liability for actions of third parties 60
25AA.... Limitation on liability for actions of third parties............................... 60
Subdivision I—Evidentiary certificates 62
25B....... Evidentiary certificates...................................................................... 62
25C....... Certificate to be given to person........................................................ 63
25D....... Evidentiary effect of certificate.......................................................... 63
25E........ Variation of certificate....................................................................... 63
25F........ Revocation of certificate.................................................................... 63
Division 2—Protection of the environment from proposals involving the Commonwealth 65
Subdivision A—Protection of environment from actions involving Commonwealth land 65
26.......... Requirement for approval of activities involving Commonwealth land 65
27.......... What is Commonwealth land?.......................................................... 66
27A....... Offences relating to Commonwealth land......................................... 66
Subdivision AA—Protection of Commonwealth Heritage places outside the Australian jurisdiction 69
27B....... Requirement for approval of actions with significant impact on Commonwealth Heritage places overseas 69
27C....... Offences relating to Commonwealth Heritage places overseas......... 69
Subdivision B—Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions 71
28.......... Requirement for approval of activities of Commonwealth agencies significantly affecting the environment 71
Subdivision C—Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division 73
28AA.... Actions that are taken to be covered by this Division........................ 73
Subdivision D—Limitation on liability for actions of third parties 74
28AB.... Limitation on liability for actions of third parties............................... 74
Part 4—Cases in which environmental approvals are not needed 75
Division 1—Actions covered by bilateral agreements 75
29.......... Actions declared by agreement not to need approval......................... 75
30.......... Extended operation in State and Northern Territory waters............... 76
31.......... Extended operation in non‑self‑governing Territories....................... 76
Division 2—Actions covered by Ministerial declarations and accredited management arrangements or accredited authorisation processes 78
Subdivision A—Effect of declarations 78
32.......... Actions declared by Minister not to need approval........................... 78
Subdivision B—Making declarations 79
33.......... Making declaration that actions do not need approval under Part 9... 79
34.......... What is matter protected by a provision of Part 3?........................... 83
Subdivision C—Prerequisites for making declarations 86
34A....... Minister may only make declaration if prescribed criteria are met..... 86
34B....... Declarations relating to declared World Heritage properties.............. 86
34BA.... Declarations relating to National Heritage places.............................. 87
34C....... Declarations relating to declared Ramsar wetlands............................ 87
34D....... Declarations relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities 88
34E........ Declarations relating to migratory species......................................... 89
34F........ Declarations relating to Commonwealth Heritage places................... 90
Subdivision D—Other rules about declarations 91
35.......... Revoking declarations....................................................................... 91
36.......... Other rules about declarations........................................................... 91
36A....... Minor amendments of accredited management arrangement or accredited authorisation process 92
Division 3—Actions covered by Ministerial declarations and bioregional plans 94
Subdivision A—Effect of declarations 94
37.......... Actions declared by Minister not to need approval........................... 94
Subdivision B—Making declarations 94
37A....... Making declarations that actions do not need approval under Part 9. 94
Subdivision C—Prerequisites for making declarations 95
37B....... General considerations...................................................................... 95
37C....... Minister may make declaration only if prescribed criteria are met..... 95
37D....... Declarations relating to declared World Heritage properties.............. 95
37E........ Declarations relating to National Heritage places.............................. 96
37F........ Declarations relating to declared Ramsar wetlands............................ 96
37G....... Declarations relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities 97
37H....... Declarations relating to listed migratory species................................ 97
37J........ No declarations relating to nuclear actions........................................ 98
Subdivision D—Other rules about declarations 98
37K....... Revoking declarations....................................................................... 98
37L........ Other rules about declarations........................................................... 98
Division 3A—Actions covered by conservation agreements 100
37M...... Actions declared by conservation agreement not to need approval.. 100
Division 4—Forestry operations in certain regions 101
Subdivision A—Regions covered by regional forest agreements 101
38.......... Part 3 not to apply to certain RFA forestry operations.................... 101
Subdivision B—Regions subject to a process of negotiating a regional forest agreement 101
39.......... Object of this Subdivision............................................................... 101
40.......... Forestry operations in regions not yet covered by regional forest agreements 102
41.......... What is an RFA region?.................................................................. 103
Subdivision C—Limits on application 104
42.......... This Division does not apply to some forestry operations.............. 104
Division 5—Actions in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 105
43.......... Actions taken in accordance with zoning plan................................. 105
Division 6—Actions with prior authorisation 106
43A....... Actions with prior authorisation...................................................... 106
43B....... Actions which are lawful continuations of use of land etc.............. 107
Chapter 3—Bilateral agreements 108
Part 5—Bilateral agreements 108
Division 1—Object of Part 108
44.......... Object of this Part........................................................................... 108
Division 2—Making bilateral agreements 109
Subdivision A—Power to make bilateral agreements 109
45.......... Minister may make agreement......................................................... 109
46.......... Agreement may declare actions do not need approval under Part 9. 110
47.......... Agreement may declare classes of actions do not need assessment. 115
48.......... Other provisions of bilateral agreements......................................... 116
48A....... Mandatory provisions..................................................................... 117
49.......... Certain limits on scope of bilateral agreements................................ 119
Subdivision B—Prerequisites for making bilateral agreements 119
49A....... Consultation on draft agreement...................................................... 119
50.......... Minister may only enter into agreement if prescribed criteria are met 120
51.......... Agreements relating to declared World Heritage properties............ 120
51A....... Agreements relating to National Heritage places............................. 121
52.......... Agreements relating to declared Ramsar wetlands.......................... 121
53.......... Agreements relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities 122
54.......... Agreements relating to migratory species........................................ 123
55.......... Agreements relating to nuclear actions............................................ 124
56.......... Agreements relating to prescribed actions....................................... 125
Subdivision C—Minor amendments of bilateral agreements 125
56A....... Ministerial determination of minor amendments to bilateral agreements.. 125
Division 3—Suspending and ending the effect of bilateral agreements 127
Subdivision A—Suspension and cancellation of effect 127
57.......... Representations about suspension or cancellation........................... 127
58.......... Consultation before cancellation or suspension............................... 128
59.......... Suspension or cancellation.............................................................. 128
60.......... Emergency suspension of effect of bilateral agreement................... 130
61.......... Cancellation during suspension....................................................... 131
62.......... Revocation of notice of suspension or cancellation......................... 131
63.......... Cancellation or suspension at request of other party....................... 132
64.......... Cancellation or suspension of bilateral agreement does not affect certain actions 133
Subdivision B—Expiry of bilateral agreements 134
65.......... Expiry and review of bilateral agreements....................................... 134
65A....... Expiry of bilateral agreement does not affect certain actions........... 134
Chapter 4—Environmental assessments and approvals 136
Part 6—Simplified outline of this Chapter 136
66.......... Simplified outline of this Chapter.................................................... 136
Part 7—Deciding whether approval of actions is needed 138
Division 1—Referral of proposals to take action 138
67.......... What is a controlled action?............................................................ 138
67A....... Prohibition on taking controlled action without approval................ 138
68.......... Referral by person proposing to take action.................................... 138
68A....... Actions proposed to be taken under a contract etc........................... 139
69.......... State or Territory may refer proposal to Minister............................ 140
70.......... Minister may request referral of proposal....................................... 140
71.......... Commonwealth agency may refer proposal to Minister.................. 142
72.......... Form and content of referrals.......................................................... 142
73.......... Informing person proposing to take action of referral..................... 142
73A....... Informing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of proposal affecting Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 143
74.......... Inviting provision of information on referred proposal................... 143
74A....... Minister may request referral of a larger action............................... 145
74AA.... Offence of taking action before decision made in relation to referral etc. 146
Division 1A—Decision that action is clearly unacceptable 149
74B....... Application of this Division............................................................ 149
74C....... Informing person proposing to take action that action is clearly unacceptable 149
74D....... Procedure if Minister is requested to reconsider referral................. 150
Division 2—Ministerial decision whether action needs approval 153
75.......... Does the proposed action need approval?....................................... 153
76.......... Minister may request more information for making decisions........ 156
77.......... Notice and reasons for decision...................................................... 157
77A....... Action to be taken in a particular manner........................................ 158
Division 3—Reconsideration of decisions 160
78.......... Reconsideration of decision............................................................ 160
78A....... Request for reconsideration of decision by person other than State or Territory Minister 163
78B....... Minister must inform interested persons of request and invite comments 164
78C....... Minister must reconsider decision and give notice of outcome....... 166
79.......... Reconsideration of decision on request by a State or Territory....... 167
Part 8—Assessing impacts of controlled actions 169
Division 1—Simplified outline of this Part 169
80.......... Simplified outline of this Part.......................................................... 169
Division 2—Application of this Part 170
81.......... Application...................................................................................... 170
82.......... What are the relevant impacts of an action?.................................... 170
83.......... This Part does not apply if action covered by bilateral agreement... 171
84.......... This Part does not apply if action covered by declaration................ 172
Division 3—Decision on assessment approach 175
Subdivision A—Simplified outline of this Division 175
85.......... Simplified outline of this Division.................................................. 175
Subdivision B—Deciding on approach for assessment 175
87.......... Minister must decide on approach for assessment.......................... 175
88.......... Timing of decision on assessment approach................................... 177
89.......... Minister may request more information for making decision.......... 178
90.......... Directing an inquiry after starting an assessment............................ 179
91.......... Notice of decision on assessment approach.................................... 180
Division 3A—Assessment on referral information 181
92.......... Application of this Division............................................................ 181
93.......... Recommendation report.................................................................. 181
Division 4—Assessment on preliminary documentation 183
94.......... Application of this Division............................................................ 183
95.......... Direction to publish referral information and invitation to comment—no further information required 183
95A....... Direction to publish referral information and invitation to comment—further information required 184
95B....... Procedure after end of period for comment..................................... 185
95C....... Recommendation report.................................................................. 186
Division 5—Public environment reports 187
96.......... Application...................................................................................... 187
96A....... Minister must give designated proponent written guidelines for preparation of draft public environment report 187
96B....... Standard guidelines......................................................................... 188
97.......... Tailored guidelines.......................................................................... 188
98.......... Designated proponent must invite comment on draft public environment report 190
99.......... Finalising public environment report............................................... 191
100........ Recommendation report.................................................................. 192
Division 6—Environmental impact statements 193
101........ Application...................................................................................... 193
101A..... Minister must give designated proponent written guidelines for preparation of draft environmental impact statement........................................................................................................ 193
101B..... Standard guidelines......................................................................... 194
102........ Tailored guidelines.......................................................................... 194
103........ Designated proponent must invite comment on draft environmental impact statement 196
104........ Finalising environmental impact statement...................................... 197
105........ Recommendation report.................................................................. 198
Division 7—Inquiries 199
Subdivision A—Preliminary 199
106........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 199
Subdivision B—Establishment of inquiries 199
107........ Appointing commissioners and setting terms of reference.............. 199
108........ Publicising inquiry.......................................................................... 201
Subdivision C—Conduct of inquiries 201
109........ Procedure of inquiries..................................................................... 201
110........ Inquiry to be public......................................................................... 202
111........ Calling witnesses............................................................................ 202
112........ Dealing with witnesses................................................................... 203
113........ Dealing with documents given to commission................................ 205
114........ Inspections of land, buildings and places........................................ 205
115........ Entering premises by consent.......................................................... 206
116........ Entering premises under warrant..................................................... 206
117........ Warrants by telephone or other electronic means............................ 207
118........ Identity cards................................................................................... 209
119........ Contempt......................................................................................... 210
120........ Protection of commissioners and witnesses.................................... 210
Subdivision D—Inquiry reports 212
121........ Timing of report.............................................................................. 212
122........ Publication of report........................................................................ 213
Subdivision E—Commissioners’ terms and conditions 213
123........ Basis of appointment....................................................................... 213
124........ Remuneration.................................................................................. 213
125........ Leave of absence............................................................................. 214
126........ Resignation..................................................................................... 214
127........ Termination of appointment............................................................ 214
128........ Disclosure of interests..................................................................... 215
129........ Other terms and conditions............................................................. 216
Part 9—Approval of actions 217
Division 1—Decisions on approval and conditions 217
Subdivision A—General 217
130........ Timing of decision on approval....................................................... 217
131........ Inviting comments from other Ministers before decision................ 219
131AA.. Inviting comments before decision from person proposing to take action and designated proponent 219
131AB.. Minister must obtain advice from Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development................................................................................... 222
131A..... Inviting public comment before decision......................................... 222
132........ Requesting further information for approval decision..................... 223
132A..... Requesting notice from appropriate State or Territory Minister about certain actions 224
132B..... Election to have an action management plan approved after approval of the taking of an action granted 225
133........ Grant of approval............................................................................ 225
134........ Conditions of approval.................................................................... 228
134A..... Inviting public comment before approving action management plan 233
135........ Certain approvals and conditions must not give preference............. 233
135A..... Publication of recommendation reports........................................... 234
Subdivision B—Considerations for approvals and conditions 235
136........ General considerations.................................................................... 235
137........ Requirements for decisions about World Heritage.......................... 237
137A..... Requirements for decisions about National Heritage places............ 237
138........ Requirements for decisions about Ramsar wetlands....................... 238
139........ Requirements for decisions about threatened species and endangered communities 238
140........ Requirements for decisions about migratory species....................... 239
140A..... No approval for certain nuclear installations................................... 239
Division 2—Requirement to comply with conditions 240
142........ Compliance with conditions on approval........................................ 240
142A..... Offence of breaching conditions on approval.................................. 240
142B..... Strict liability offence for breach of approval condition................... 241
Division 3—Variation of conditions and suspension and revocation of approvals 243
143........ Variation of conditions attached to approval................................... 243
143A..... Variation of action management plan.............................................. 245
144........ Suspension of approval................................................................... 246
145........ Revocation of approval................................................................... 248
145A..... Reinstating suspended or revoked approval.................................... 249
Division 4—Transfer of approvals 252
145B..... Transfer with Minister’s consent.................................................... 252
Division 5—Extension of period of effect of approval 254
145C..... Application to Minister to extend period of effect of approval........ 254
145D..... Minister must decide whether or not to extend approval period...... 254
145E...... Minister may request further information for making decision....... 255
Part 10—Strategic assessments 256
Division 1—Strategic assessments generally 256
Subdivision A—Assessment of actions to be taken in accordance with policy, plan or program 256
146........ Minister may agree on strategic assessment.................................... 256
Subdivision B—Approval of taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program 258
146A..... Definition........................................................................................ 258
146B..... Minister may approve taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program 258
146C..... Inviting comments from other Ministers before deciding whether or not to approve taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program.................................................... 260
146D..... Effect of approval of taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program 260
Subdivision C—Considerations for approving taking of actions in accordance with endorsed policy, plan or program 262
146E...... Minister must comply with this Subdivision................................... 262
146F...... General considerations.................................................................... 262
146G..... Approvals relating to declared World Heritage properties............... 262
146H..... Approvals relating to National Heritage places............................... 263
146J...... Approvals relating to declared Ramsar wetlands............................. 263
146K..... Approvals relating to listed threatened species and ecological communities 263
146L...... Approvals relating to listed migratory species................................. 264
146M.... No approvals relating to nuclear actions.......................................... 264
Division 2—Assessment of Commonwealth‑managed fisheries 265
147........ Simplified outline of this Division.................................................. 265
148........ Assessment before management plan is determined........................ 266
149........ Assessment before determination that no plan required.................. 266
150........ Assessment of all fisheries without plans must be started within 5 years 267
151........ Assessment of all Torres Strait fisheries to be started within 5 years 268
152........ Further assessment if impacts greater than previously assessed...... 268
153........ Minister must make declaration if he or she endorses plan or policy 269
154........ This Division does not limit Division 1.......................................... 270
Part 11—Miscellaneous rules about assessments and approvals 271
Division 1—Rules about timing 271
155........ This Chapter ceases to apply to lapsed proposals............................ 271
156........ General rules about time limits........................................................ 272
Division 1A—Variation of proposals to take actions 273
156A..... Request to vary proposal to take an action...................................... 273
156B..... Minister must decide whether or not to accept a varied proposal.... 274
156C..... Minister may request further information in relation to a varied proposal 274
156D..... Effect of Minister’s decision to accept or not accept a varied proposal 275
156E...... Notice of decision........................................................................... 276
Division 1B—Change of person proposing to take action 277
156F...... Change of person proposing to take action..................................... 277
Division 2—Actions in area offshore from a State or the Northern Territory 279
157........ Actions treated as though they were in a State or the Northern Territory 279
Division 3—Exemptions 280
158........ Exemptions from Part 3 and this Chapter........................................ 280
Division 3A—Approval process decisions not affected by listing events that happen after section 75 decision made 281
158A..... Approval process decisions not affected by listing events that happen after section 75 decision made 281
Division 4—Application of Chapter to actions that are not controlled actions 284
Subdivision A—Minister’s advice on authorising actions 284
159........ Simplified outline of this Subdivision............................................. 284
160........ Requirement to take account of Minister’s advice........................... 285
161........ Seeking the Minister’s advice......................................................... 287
161A..... Minister may decide that advice is not required............................... 288
161B..... Certain provisions of other Acts not to apply if Minister decides that advice is not required 289
162........ Assessment of the action................................................................. 289
163........ Providing advice............................................................................. 290
164........ Reporting on response to advice..................................................... 291
Subdivision C—Assessment under agreement with State or Territory 291
166........ This Subdivision applies if Ministers agree it should...................... 291
167........ Making an agreement...................................................................... 292
168........ Content of an agreement.................................................................. 293
169........ Application of a Division of Part 8................................................. 294
170........ Application of Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part 10................... 296
Division 5—Publication of information relating to assessments 297
170A..... Publication of information relating to assessments.......................... 297
170B..... Information critical to protecting matters of national environmental significance not to be disclosed 298
170BA.. Designated proponent may request Minister to permit commercial‑in‑confidence information not to be disclosed 298
Division 6—Withdrawal of referrals 301
170C..... Withdrawal of referral of proposal to take an action........................ 301
Division 7—Miscellaneous 302
170CA.. Fees................................................................................................. 302
Chapter 5—Conservation of biodiversity and heritage 303
Part 11A—Interpretation 303
170D..... References to business days are references to Canberra business days 303
Part 12—Identifying and monitoring biodiversity and making bioregional plans 304
Division 1—Identifying and monitoring biodiversity 304
171........ Identifying and monitoring biodiversity.......................................... 304
172........ Inventories of listed threatened species etc. on Commonwealth land 305
173........ Surveys of cetaceans, listed threatened species etc. in Commonwealth marine areas 306
174........ Inventories and surveys to be updated............................................ 306
Division 2—Bioregional plans 307
176........ Bioregional plans............................................................................ 307
177........ Obligations under this Act unaffected by lack of bioregional plans 308
Part 13—Species and communities 309
Division 1—Listed threatened species and ecological communities 309
Subdivision A—Listing 309
178........ Listing of threatened species........................................................... 309
179........ Categories of threatened species...................................................... 310
180........ Native species of marine fish.......................................................... 311
181........ Listing of threatened ecological communities.................................. 312
182........ Critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable communities...... 313
183........ Listing of key threatening processes............................................... 313
184........ Minister may amend lists................................................................ 313
186........ Amending list of threatened native species...................................... 314
187........ Amending list of ecological communities........................................ 316
188........ Amending list of key threatening processes.................................... 317
189........ Minister must consider advice from Scientific Committee.............. 318
189A..... Certain information may be kept confidential.................................. 319
189B..... Disclosure of Scientific Committee’s assessments and advice........ 320
190........ Scientific Committee may provide advice about species or communities becoming threatened 322
192........ Rediscovery of threatened species that were extinct........................ 322
193........ Species posing a serious threat to human health.............................. 322
194........ Lists must be publicly available....................................................... 323
Subdivision AA—The nomination and listing process 323
194A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 323
194B..... Definitions...................................................................................... 324
194C..... Meaning of assessment period....................................................... 325
194D..... Minister may determine conservation themes for an assessment period 325
194E...... Minister to invite nominations for each assessment period............. 326
194F...... Minister to give nominations to Scientific Committee..................... 327
194G..... Scientific Committee to prepare proposed priority assessment list.. 328
194H..... Matters to be included in proposed priority assessment list............ 330
194J...... Statement to be given to Minister with proposed priority assessment list 330
194K..... The finalised priority assessment list............................................... 331
194L...... Publication of finalised priority assessment list............................... 332
194M.... Scientific Committee to invite comments on items in finalised priority assessment list 332
194N..... Scientific Committee to assess items on finalised priority assessment list and give assessments to Minister 333
194P...... Time by which assessments to be provided to Minister.................. 334
194Q..... Decision about inclusion of an item in the Subdivision A List........ 335
194R..... Scientific Committee may obtain advice.......................................... 337
194S...... Co‑ordination with Australian Heritage Council—Committee undertaking assessment 337
194T...... Co‑ordination with Australian Heritage Council—Committee given assessment to Minister 339
Subdivision B—Permit system 339
195........ Subdivision does not apply to cetaceans......................................... 339
196........ Killing or injuring member of listed threatened species or community 340
196A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring member of listed threatened species or community 340
196B..... Taking etc. member of listed threatened species or community....... 341
196C..... Strict liability for taking etc. member of listed threatened species or community 342
196D..... Trading etc. member of listed threatened species or community taken in Commonwealth area 342
196E...... Strict liability for trading etc. member of listed threatened species or community taken in Commonwealth area 343
196F...... Aggravated offence—member of listed threatened species that is a dugong or turtle 343
197........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 344
198........ Operation of sections 18 and 18A not affected............................... 347
199........ Failing to notify taking of listed threatened species or listed ecological community 347
200........ Application for permits................................................................... 348
201........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 349
202........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 350
203........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 351
204........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 351
205........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 352
206........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 352
206A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 352
207........ Fees................................................................................................. 352
Subdivision BA—Protecting critical habitat 353
207A..... Register of critical habitat................................................................ 353
207B..... Offence of knowingly damaging critical habitat.............................. 354
207C..... Sale or lease of Commonwealth land containing critical habitat...... 354
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 355
208A..... Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 355
208........ Regulations..................................................................................... 356
Division 2—Migratory species 357
Subdivision A—Listing 357
209........ Listed migratory species.................................................................. 357
Subdivision B—Permit system 358
210........ Subdivision does not apply to members of listed threatened species or cetaceans 358
211........ Killing or injuring member of listed migratory species.................... 358
211A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring member of listed migratory species 359
211B..... Taking etc. member of listed migratory species............................... 359
211C..... Strict liability for taking etc. member of listed migratory species.... 360
211D..... Trading etc. member of listed migratory species taken in Commonwealth area 360
211E...... Strict liability for trading etc. member of listed migratory species taken in Commonwealth area 361
211F...... Aggravated offence—member of listed migratory species that is a dugong or turtle 362
212........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 362
213........ Operation of sections 20 and 20A not affected............................... 365
214........ Failing to notify taking etc. of listed migratory species................... 365
215........ Application for permits................................................................... 367
216........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 367
217........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 368
218........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 368
219........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 369
220........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 369
221........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 370
221A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 370
222........ Fees................................................................................................. 370
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 370
222A..... Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 370
223........ Regulations..................................................................................... 372
Division 3—Whales and other cetaceans 373
Subdivision A—Application of Division 373
224........ Application of Division................................................................... 373
Subdivision B—Australian Whale Sanctuary and important cetacean habitat areas 374
225........ Australian Whale Sanctuary............................................................ 374
226........ Prescribed waters............................................................................ 374
227........ Coastal waters................................................................................. 375
228........ Minister may make declaration for coastal waters........................... 375
228A..... Important cetacean habitat areas...................................................... 376
Subdivision C—Offences 376
229........ Killing or injuring a cetacean........................................................... 376
229A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring a cetacean................................ 377
229B..... Intentionally taking etc. a cetacean................................................... 377
229C..... Strict liability for taking etc. a cetacean............................................ 379
229D..... Treating cetaceans........................................................................... 379
230........ Possession of cetaceans.................................................................. 380
231........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 381
232........ Action to be taken on killing etc. cetaceans..................................... 383
Subdivision E—Miscellaneous offences 385
236........ Offences relating to foreign whaling vessels................................... 385
Subdivision F—Permit system 386
237........ Application for permits................................................................... 386
238........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 386
239........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 388
240........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 388
241........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 388
242........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 389
243........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 389
243A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 390
244........ Fees................................................................................................. 390
Subdivision G—Miscellaneous 390
245........ Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 390
246........ Vesting of whales in Commonwealth............................................. 391
247........ Regulations..................................................................................... 392
Division 4—Listed marine species 393
Subdivision A—Listing 393
248........ Listed marine species...................................................................... 393
249........ Minister may amend list.................................................................. 393
250........ Adding marine species to the list..................................................... 394
251........ Minister must consider advice from Scientific Committee.............. 395
252........ Minister to make lists available to the public................................... 395
Subdivision B—Permit system 396
253........ Subdivision does not apply to members of certain species and cetaceans 396
254........ Killing or injuring member of listed marine species........................ 396
254A..... Strict liability for killing or injuring member of listed marine species 396
254B..... Taking etc. member of listed marine species................................... 397
254C..... Strict liability for taking etc. member of listed marine species......... 398
254D..... Trading etc. member of listed marine species taken in Commonwealth area 398
254E...... Strict liability for trading etc. member of listed marine species taken in Commonwealth area 399
254F...... Aggravated offence—member of listed marine species that is a dugong or turtle 399
255........ Certain actions are not offences....................................................... 400
256........ Failing to notify taking etc. of listed marine wildlife....................... 402
257........ Application for permits................................................................... 404
258........ Minister may issue permits............................................................. 404
259........ Conditions of permits...................................................................... 405
260........ Contravening conditions of a permit............................................... 405
261........ Authorities under permits................................................................ 406
262........ Transfer of permits.......................................................................... 406
263........ Suspension or cancellation of permits............................................. 407
263A..... Review of decisions about permits.................................................. 407
264........ Fees................................................................................................. 407
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 407
265........ Minister may accredit plans, regimes or policies............................. 407
266........ Regulations..................................................................................... 409
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
This Act may be cited as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
2 Commencement
(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:
This Chapter provides a basis for the Minister to decide whether an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on certain aspects of the environment should proceed.
It does so by prohibiting a person from taking an action without the Minister having given approval or decided that approval is not needed. (Part 9 deals with the giving of approval.)
Approval is not needed to take an action if any of the following declare that the action does not need approval:
(a) a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and the State or Territory in which the action is taken;
(b) a declaration by the Minister.
Also, an action does not need approval if it is taken in accordance with Regional Forest Agreements or it is for a purpose for which, under a zoning plan for a zone made under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, the zone may be used or entered without permission.
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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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, commits 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, commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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, commits 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, commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commits 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 commit an offence against section 495.
Note 3: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this section, a landholder may commit 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 FB—Protection of water resources from coal seam gas development and large coal mining development
24D Requirement for approval of developments with a significant impact on water resources
(1) A constitutional corporation, the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency must not take an action if:
(a) the action involves:
(i) coal seam gas development; or
(ii) large coal mining development; and
(b) the action:
(i) has or will have a significant impact on a water resource; or
(ii) is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource.
Civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units;
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
(2) A person must not take an action if:
(a) the action involves:
(i) coal seam gas development; or
(ii) large coal mining development; 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:
(i) has or will have a significant impact on a water resource; or
(ii) is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource.
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 if:
(a) the action involves:
(i) coal seam gas development; or
(ii) large coal mining development; and
(b) the action is taken in:
(i) a Commonwealth area; or
(ii) a Territory; and
(c) the action:
(i) has or will have a significant impact on a water resource; or
(ii) is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource.
Civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units;
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
(4) Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply to an action if:
(a) an approval of the taking of the action by the constitutional corporation, Commonwealth, 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, 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).
(5) A person who wishes to rely on subsection (4) in proceedings for a contravention of a civil penalty provision bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in that subsection.
24E Offences relating to water resources
(1) A constitutional corporation, or a Commonwealth agency that does not enjoy the immunities of the Commonwealth, commits an offence if:
(a) the corporation or agency takes an action involving:
(i) coal seam gas development; or
(ii) large coal mining development; and
(b) the action:
(i) results or will result in a significant impact on a water resource; or
(ii) is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this subsection may also commit an offence against section 495.
Note 2: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this subsection, a landholder may commit an offence against section 496C.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person takes an action involving:
(i) coal seam gas development; or
(ii) large coal mining development; 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:
(i) has or will have a significant impact on a water resource; or
(ii) is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this subsection may also commit an offence against section 495.
Note 2: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this subsection, a landholder may commit an offence against section 496C.
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person takes an action involving:
(i) coal seam gas development; or
(ii) large coal mining development; and
(b) the action is taken in:
(i) a Commonwealth area; or
(ii) a Territory; and
(c) the action:
(i) has or will have a significant impact on a water resource; or
(ii) is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: An executive officer of a body corporate convicted of an offence against this subsection may also commit an offence against section 495.
Note 2: If a person takes an action on land that contravenes this subsection, a landholder may commit an offence against section 496C.
(4) Subsections (1) to (3) 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 subsection (4). 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 Legislation 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);
(i) subsections 24E(1) to (3).
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);
(gb) subsections 24D(1) to (3);
(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