Minister needs to keep an eye on proposed Federal nature watchdog, cautions Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto has implied it wants Federal Labor to make sure Ministerial oversight exists over a national environmental watchdog being proposed as part of the Government’s controversial Nature Positive reforms.

A day after Rio’s plans for a new iron deposit in the Pilbara were killed off due to fears about the potential impact on Ghost Bats, the mining giant publicised its stance on Labor’s plans to overhaul the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Rio says in principle it supports reform to the Act, but believes the “policy framework” has to be right and a balance between “environmental protection and economic progress” needs to be struck.

“We support reforms that result in decision makers upholding the principles of ecologically sustainable development, with overall Ministerial accountability for approvals decisions and consideration of economic and social impacts,” the company stated.

The statement indicates Rio wants the Federal Environment Minister to keep a close eye on a proposed independent nature watchdog, an organisation which would be similar to the state-level Environmental Protection Authorities that already exist.

Many miners are worried about the scope and bureaucratic redundancy of the federal EPA, as the sector already grapples with a slow approvals process to get projects off the ground.

Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker said the conversation around environmental reform “is complex and evokes deep passion across our communities”.

“We recognise the seriousness of this issue and its far-reaching implications for Australia’s future,” she said.

“Australia needs a policy framework that safeguards the environment while unlocking our industry’s potential to be part of the climate solution. “This isn’t about choosing between environmental protection and economic progress. It’s about crafting effective policies that serve both objectives. “

Establishing a Federal EPA represents the second plank in Labor’s controversial Nature Positive Plan.

Under the Government’s model, bureaucrats inside the independent agency would make decisions on most approvals with the Environment Minister retaining the power to “call-in” projects for assessment.

The Institute of Public Affairs, a conservative think thank, in July has unleashed on the plan.

In its submission to a Senate inquiry, the IPA argued ministers — not “unaccountable bureaucrats” — were best placed to make “informed decisions” on environmental policies.

“This is because the minister must factor in the views and priorities of other ministers in the elected government and, in theory, should be considering the other important elements of regulatory decisions, such as the economic value that could be lost due to approval decisions made or regulatory actions taken,” the submission read.