DPI Update (Issue 44)
JOHN MITAS, Chief Inspector of mines and quarries reports on the moderinisation of the Extractive Industry regulatory framework occurring in response to the ‘Review of the Efficient Regulation of Victoria’s Extractive Industry’.
REVIEW OF THE MRSDA 1990 – RELEASE OF ISSUES PAPER
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is committed to the efficient regulation of the earth resources sector. As a result, DPI has established a broad review of the regulatory framework for the minerals industry to ensure the continued development of a sustainable and efficient earth resources sector in Victoria.
The primary focus of this review of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA) is on the regulation of the minerals industry. As an outcome of the review of the Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 (EIDA), it is proposed that the EIDA be repealed and merged into the MRSDA, commencing 1 January 2010. Where issues are common to the regulation of both minerals and extractive industries, and where streamlining and improvements to current arrangements are relevant to the regulation of both industries, further reforms to the regulation of extractive industries will be examined.
An issues paper on the review of the MRSDA has been released and marks the first stage of the review of the MRSDA. The issues paper outlines the current regulatory and policy framework of the sector and also outlines the key principles that underpin best practice regulation. A number of discussion points are set out in the issues paper to prompt submissions to the review.
All interested parties are encouraged to contribute to improving the regulation of Victoria’s earth resources sector by providing a submission. Submissions to the issues paper will close on 26 June 2009.
Consultations will be held following the receipt of submissions, which will inform targeted discussion papers that will be developed on specific areas identified for reform.
The issues paper is now available on DPI’s website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/mrsdareview. This site will also be updated periodically to provide current information on the review process.
For further information about the review, please contact the MRSDA Review Team at MRSDA.review@dpi.vic.gov.au
NEW EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES REGULATIONS
An independent review of Victoria’s regulatory regime for extractive industries commenced in 2005. The review and Government response was finalised in 2008.
As part of the Government’s response to the review, the regulatory framework for the extractive industries is being modernised. The Resources Industry Legislation Amendment Act 2009 (RILA) was developed to implement legislative changes arising from the review.
The RILA repeals the Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 (EIDA) and provides for the regulation of the extractive industries under the amended Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA).
The resulting changes to the MRSDA, and the regulation of Victoria’s extractive industries, will come into effect on 1 January 2010.
To coincide with the legislative changes described above, the existing regulations that apply to the extractives industries will be amended and remade under the MRSDA and will also come into effect on 1 January 2010.
DPI has prepared a discussion paper on the proposed changes to the regulations. The purpose of the paper is to provide an opportunity for initial stakeholder contribution to the development of new regulations.
A consultation workshop is currently proposed for the end of May 2009. If you would like to be involved in this workshop, please contact DPI on the email address above.
Copies of the paper are available by contacting DPI at ei.regulations@dpi.vic.gov.au
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