Labor’s Proposed Environment Agency Could Stifle Development, Think Tank Warns of ‘Activist Beast’ Risks

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. While those found to be in “serious intentional breaches” of federal environment law will be subject to a hefty penalty of up to $780 million or a seven-year prison sentence, this level of penalty is similar to serious financial offences such as insider trading and market manipulation....