Josh Wilson (Fremantle, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all members who have contributed to this debate. The government is committed to providing traditional owners with greater control over the management of their country. This Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Board of Management Functions) Bill 2025 will contribute to that goal. It will allow the boards of management of jointly managed Commonwealth reserves to continue making decisions after a management plan expires, provided those decisions are consistent with the plan. This would maintain the board's decision-making ability until the new management plan comes into effect.

This bill supports participation by traditional owners in matters relating to the management of their country, continuity of decision-making and consistency of governance arrangements for Commonwealth reserve management. In relation to the second reading amendment moved by the member for Ryan, the government won't be supporting the motion. This bill is a standalone and time critical to the EPBC Act. It's unconnected to broader reforms being progressed separately at this time.

The government is committed to delivering environmental and cultural heritage law reforms in this term of government. The Minister for the Environment and Water is working in partnership with the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance and consulting with First Nations stakeholders, conservation and environmental organisations and industry. I thank the members for their contribution and commend the bill to the House.

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