Clause 33 of the NPI NEPM requires the measure to be reviewed at least every five years. Earlier reviews were completed in 2000 and 2005.
Key points
- Third review published in April 2022
- Seven recommendations to modernise the NPI
- Thresholds and substance list were flagged for review
- The NEPM has not been varied since 2008
- Current rules continue to apply
The third review
The National Environment Protection Council set terms of reference in November 2016, a discussion paper followed in May 2018, and the final report was published in April 2022.
The seven recommendations
- Examine opportunities to increase the NPI’s focus on human health and air quality.
- Run awareness initiatives.
- Improve the online interface and upgrade the reporting system.
- Modernise the substance list, estimation techniques and manuals, aggregated data, thresholds and minimum reporting quantities, and align with OECD guidance on pollutant release and transfer registers.
- Examine the delivery approach, including legislative reform, streamlined data collection and a cost-benefit analysis.
- Form a technical advisory panel.
- Consider a service charter and a staged action plan.
What this means for reporters
The NEPM has not been varied since 2008. Facilities should keep reporting under the current rules and check DCCEEW’s NPI pages for any consultation on changes.
Consultation
The review received 59 direct submissions and 319 campaign submissions in response to the 2018 discussion paper. Reporters raised a perception of duplicated effort across jurisdictions and Commonwealth environmental programs.
Where things stand
The review report was published by the then Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. DCCEEW’s publications page lists it alongside the 2018 discussion paper and the terms of reference. The NPI Guide remains at Version 6.1 from September 2015, and the estimation manuals carry their own edition dates, some more than a decade old, such as the mining manual from January 2012.
Why it matters
Changes to the substance list or thresholds would require a variation to the NEPM made by the National Environment Protection Council. Until that happens, facilities should continue to report under the current thresholds and substance list, and watch for consultation on any variation.
References & sources
Primary regulatory documents and authoritative references underpinning this answer.