Page 2446 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 30 July 2019
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recommendations. That is the point at which the 12 months can come unstuck. Sometimes the committee makes recommendations that seek the major re-working of parts of the variation, changes big enough that the government may need to consult further on with stakeholders. Other times, the committee just directly recommends further consultation with stakeholders to point out issues. Both of these have happened more than once this term and, in these cases, consultation needs to be given time to be done properly.
To conclude this part of our considerations, after lots of internal considering of time lines, I and the Greens have formed the view that there is a reasonable argument for the second round of interim effect to be extended somewhat. Eighteen months is as much as I could possibly support. I would actually prefer 15 months, but 18 months is just acceptable.
I will quickly discuss the other amendments in this bill. The amendments to the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Act are technical and sensible, and just ensure that the relevant minister is responsible for tabling government responses to reports of the commissioner.
The amendments to the Environment Protection Act are also minor and sensible. One amendment simply changes the definition of an environmental audit to reflect that a purpose of an audit is to determine the suitability of the land for a proposed or current use. A second amendment simply clarifies issues an auditor must have regard to in preparing an audit.
There is a further minor policy amendment to the Nature Conservation Act. This relates to grazing by livestock in nature reserves, which is used as a way to manage fuel loads and biomass. The amendment clarifies that it is not an offence for someone to bring livestock into a nature reserve if, in fact, they have a licence to do so.
Lastly, there is a minor amendment to the Stock Act. Again, this is just a clarification regarding a minor matter regarding a discretion of the director-general to dispose of impounded stock. In conclusion, the Greens will be supporting this bill.
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (4.40): The Canberra Liberals will be supporting the Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2019. I have had my fair share of disagreements with Mr Gentleman; it is always a pleasure to come in here and be in agreeance on things.
The bill pertains largely to legislation under the environment banner, so in this particular instance I am representing Ms Lee. Many of these changes are designed to minimise ambiguities and clear up any uncertainty about the powers and obligations of various government officials and those of developers.
Under the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Act, completed reports are delivered to the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability for report and response to the Assembly. It was identified that this was not an appropriate methodology for matters which would be better referred to the minister for the environment. The bill introduces a mechanism for matters outside the climate change
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