Procedural fast-track win for EDS

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the administrating agency of the Fast-Track Approvals Act, has accepted the Environmental Defence Society’s (EDS) contention that it has not been lawfully applying the Act.

The EPA’s concession comes after EDS’s Barrister Rob Enright wrote to the EPA asserting that the Fast-Track Approvals Act required the EPA to publicly release all information provided to it without delay. Previously, the EPA only published application information once it was deemed complete and within scope.

The EPA stated in its reply to EDS: “As you are aware the EPA had taken a position that the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 does not require the publication of incomplete applications. Following your correspondence we have reviewed our position, and agree that, on balance, the documents you have listed must be published by the EPA.”