‘Activist Beast’: Think Tank Warns Against New Environment Agency

The IPA has warned that this proposed agency is another government intervention to curtail growth in Australia’s critical resources sector.

Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek and government members and senators at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 30, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

A Melbourne-based think tank has warned that the Albanese government’s proposed national environment watchdog, which could fine those breaching federal environmental law up to $780 million (US$499 million), could potentially be “turned into a one-eyed activist beast.”

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek on April 16 unveiled details about the independent Environment Protection Agency (EPA), which she said will be bolstered with new powers to “better protect nature.”

Environment Watchdog Given Expanded Power

Under the proposal, a statutory body will be able to issue Environment Protection Orders, also called “stop-work” orders, to anyone violating federal environmental law.