About the webinar

Australia’s environmental laws are undergoing significant reform. Join representatives from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Environment Law Reform Taskforce (ELRT) and the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA) for a high-level overview of the reform package, including its objectives, key elements and implementation progress.

This session will provide an overview of the changes and how they are intended to improve environmental outcomes, decision-making, regulation and compliance. It will also introduce Australia's first independent national environment regulator, officially launched on 1 July 2026, and outline its role within the broader reform framework.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from the teams leading this work and gain a clearer understanding of what it means in practice for those who engage with the environmental approvals system.

Meet the Speakers

Kathleen Patroni, Acting Branch Head DCCEEW, Environment Law Reform Taskforce, Reform Strategy and Engagement Branch

Kathleen Patroni leads the Reform Strategy and Engagement Branch in the Environment law Reform Taskforce. The Taskforce - in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) - is responsible for finalising the environment protection reforms that passed the Parliament on 28 November 2025. This includes designing subordinate legislation including regulations, Rules and National Environmental Standards and working with states and territories to deliver bilateral agreements under the EPBC Act.

David Atkins, Branch Head, National EPA, Regulatory Practice Branch

David Atkins is the Branch Head of Regulatory Support at the National Environmental Protection Agency. His substantive role in the department is in Energy Performance.

Prior to his current role, David has held the role of Branch Head in the Energy portfolio in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and in the education portfolio, including in the Australian Universities Accord, international education (Australia’s fourth largest export industry) and other areas of national reform. Prior to his public sector career, David filled senior roles in the Singapore Airlines Group. David holds graduate degrees in chemical physics and public administration from The Australian National University and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.

This webinar will run on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) for 1 hour and will be recorded. A link to the recording will be sent to all registered delegates in the days following the event.

Not an EIANZ member?

Consider joining as a student, associate or full member today! To receive the member rate for the webinar, make sure you apply for membership prior to registering. Join here →

CPD Points