Recommendation 16

In the second tranche of reform, the accreditation model should be applied to arrangements with other Commonwealth agencies, where they demonstrate consistency with the National Environmental Standards and subject themselves to transparent independent oversight. Specifically:

1. The complex requirements for Ministerial advice on certain Commonwealth authorisations (sections 160-164) should be removed. These arrangements should be subject to the accreditation model, or the standard assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act.
2. The accreditation model should be applied to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority using appropriate legislative amendments.
3. Where relevant, a broader application of the National Environmental Standards to other Commonwealth decisions and management plans, beyond those already provided for under the current settings of the Act, should be considered.