The Albanese Labor Government has commenced a global search for the head of Environment Information Australia (EIA) - Australia’s first independent, national environmental data and information office.

The Budget allocated $51.5 million over 4 years to set up Environment Information Australia.

EIA will provide environmental information to the independent Environment Protection Australia, the Government, and to the public.

It will mean faster, more transparent decision making. This is good for business - the lack of easily accessible and reliable data costs governments and industry significant time and money. Reducing the need to source data for environmental assessments could save project proponents up to $1 million a year.

It’s also good for the environment. It is easier to protect nature when we know where threatened species and habitat are.

Environment Information Australia will add another level of transparency to the Government’s Nature Positive agenda – tracking and reporting progress on environmental goals and objectives, including the 5 yearly State of the Environment Report.

The data will be quality, reliable, transparent and searchable. Australians will be able to track improvements or decline in our natural environment.

The data will underpin the integrity of the nature repair market and make it easier for landholders to participate.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“I’m on the hunt for the world’s best biodiversity brain. We’re talking about an exciting chance to combine data and drones to protect dugongs.

“If you want to picture it, think an Australian Bureau of Statistics for nature. An agency that will survey, monitor and publicise local information on threatened species, vulnerable ecosystems, and the state of our environment.

“Currently businesses and project proponents are losing time and money sourcing the same information over and over again. It’s time consuming and wasteful.

“We want to manage nature better for the future, and we need to give people early warning of areas where development should be avoided. That means making sure we are keeping and using the best information possible. It will help us better protect our precious plants, animals and places, and make faster, clearer decisions.

“It’s better for the environment and better for business.”