The Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (the Act) will transform Victoria’s environmental protection laws and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).

The Victorian Government has developed the new Act in response to the Independent Inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority.

Change to the legislative timetable

Following a sitting of Parliament on Thursday 23 April, the legislation has been postponed and is intended to commence on 1 July 2021. On that basis, EPA will continue to regulate under the Environment Protection Act 1970, including all existing subordinate legislation (Regulations and statutory policies including state environment protection policies and waste management policies) until the new commencement date.

This means that Victorian business, organisations and community should continue to work and act under the existing laws.

The Act’s intended commencement has been postponed to ease the burden on business and industry as they address the impacts of the current circumstances on business.