Understanding the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and what it might mean for the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
Why Reform Is Needed
The second independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) found that the Act was failing to deliver for the environment, business, and the community. The review highlighted the need for fundamental reform to address the decline of Australia’s natural environment, support national priorities like renewable energy and restore public trust in environmental regulation.
What Is Being Proposed?
The Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 (EPRB 2025) was introduced to Parliament as a direct response to the review’s findings. The Bill aims to amend the EPBC Act, improving environmental outcomes and streamlining approval processes for critical projects. The Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 was passed by the senate on 27thNovember 2025. Key provisions include:
- stronger environmental protections
- streamlined project approvals
- enhanced accountability and transparency
- new ministerial powers – the federal environment minister will have authority to set and modify national standards guiding decisions under the EPBC Act.
- public consultation
The Bill includes provisions to establish a National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) – which would be similar to the state-based environment protection agencies who act as regulators for environmental laws.
Implications for the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS)
A significant potential change is the bestowal of powers and functions on the new NEPA. The Reform Bill would enable NEPA to assume responsibility for the monitoring and enforcement of existing legislative instruments, including but not limited to the:
- Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 (RaWR Act) – which governs the NTCRS; and
- Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 – which may impact e-waste recyclers and downstream operators
By amending the legislation, powers would be conferred on the Chief Executive Officer of NEPA. NEPA would therefore take over certain regulatory and enforcement functions from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). This includes compliance aspects of RaWR Act, thereby becoming the regulator of the NTCRS. This of itself may not have any direct impact, however given that the intent of the reform is to address the decline of Australia’s natural environment, support national priorities and restore public trust in environmental regulation, it is possible that the NEPA would seek to enforce NTCRS rules more vigorously than has been the case in the past.
Conclusion
The EPRB 2025 marks a significant shift in Australia’s approach to environmental protection, aiming to balance ecological integrity with economic development. Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the bill’s progress and participate in ongoing discussions to help shape the future of environmental regulation in Australia.