❓ Question regarding potential conflict of interest of the EPA chair, Mr. Darren Walsh, concerning the Smiths Beach project due to his previous role at Strategen. The Minister confirms no participation and adherence to conflict of interest processes.

Environmental Protection Authority—Smiths Beach74.Hon Michelle Boylanto the Minister for the Environment:My question without notice of which some notice has been give is to the parliamentary secretary to the Attorney General.I refer to the 2022 Environmental Protection Authority application for the Smiths Beach project, which listed the current chair of the EPA, Mr Darren Walsh, as the contact for the proponent in his former role at Strategen.(1) Did Mr Walsh participate in any EPA board or delegated panel discussions relating to this project?(2) If yes to (1), on what dates?(3) What conflict of interest processes were applied in this matter?

Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:I thank the member for some notice of the question. It was a question for me. I am not sure why she mentioned the parliamentary secretary to the Attorney General, but it is in my portfolio.(1) No.(2) Not applicable.(3) The Environmental Protection Authority manages all conflicts of interest, which includes direct interests, such as pecuniary interests, and indirect interests, such as associations with groups or persons or other non-pecuniary interests. This includes a register of conflicts and removal and recusal from any discussion, consideration or voting on a matter where a conflict exists. In relation to the member's question, conflict of interest processes were followed. Environmental Protection Authority—Smiths Beach