Senator IAN CAMPBELL (10:05 AM) —I table the explanatory memorandum and move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows—

This bill continues the process of reform of Commonwealth environmental legislation. It is an adjunct to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill 1998 which proposes the most fundamental reform of Commonwealth environmental legislation since the first environmental statutes were enacted in the early 1970's.

The Environmental Reform (Consequential Provisions) Bill 1998 has three primary objectives. Firstly the bill provides for the repeal of the five acts to be replaced by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill 1998. These are the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, the Whale Protection Act 1980, the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983, and the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992.

Secondly the bill puts in place savings and transitional arrangements for a smooth transition from the processes in place under the existing acts, including environment assessment and permitting arrangements, to the new schemes established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill 1998.

The bill also amends Commonwealth Government legislation that is affected either by the repeal of the five acts, or by the content of the proposed Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill 1998.

The bill, together with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill 1998, provides a new environmental law regime which enables the Commonwealth to join with the States in providing a truly national scheme of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, recognising our responsibility to not only this, but also future generations. It does so by respecting and building upon the strengths of our Federation and the primary responsibility of the States for delivering on-ground natural resource management. It does so also in a way that is "user friendly", with predictable, transparent, and timely assessment processes. By accepting Commonwealth leadership, respecting the role of the States, and providing best process for users, the new regime provides a framework within which to build public confidence and support for its vitally important objectives.

I commend the bill.

Ordered that further consideration of the second reading of this bill be adjourned till the first day of sitting day in 1999, in accordance with standing order 111.