Mineral and Energy Resource Exploration

Public inquiry

The Australian Government has asked the Commission to undertake a 12-month inquiry into the non-financial barriers to mineral and energy resource exploration.

Specifically the Commission should:

• determine if there is evidence of unnecessary regulatory burden and if there is, make recommendations on how to reduce or eliminate these burdens
• examine the complexity and time frames of government approvals processes for exploration, and potential for delay due to appeals both within and across jurisdictions
• examine areas of duplication between and within Local, State, Territory and Commonwealth regulation that can be triggered throughout an exploration project
• examine costs of non-financial barriers (including regulatory and related costs)
• consider options to improve the regulatory environment for exploration activities, having regard to regulatory objectives
• assess the impact of non-financial barriers on international competitiveness and economic performance of Australia's exploration sector.

The terms of reference identify certain exclusions in relation to:

• local, state, territory and Commonwealth taxation and fiscal policy
• the Government's response to the Report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• processes under the Commonwealth's Native Title Act 1993, the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 or state Indigenous land rights regimes

The Commission will consult with all relevant state, territory and Commonwealth government agencies and other key stakeholders.

Contacts

Melissa Edwards (Administrative matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3206

Bill Henderson (Other matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3216

Les Andrews (Other matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3251

Fax: 02 6240 3399
Email: resourceexploration@pc.gov.au

Free call: 1800 020 083

Further information

• New Inquiry into Exploration - Joint media release from the Assistant Treasurer and the Minister for Resources and Energy (external link)
• About the public inquiry process