EPA chair resigns for Curtin role

Environmental Protection Authority chair Matthew Tonts has resigned from the helm of the watchdog for a new role at Curtin University, marking a return to academia.

After three years as chairman, and with another two years still on his term, Professor Tonts will step down in April before joining Curtin University as its new provost in June. 

It comes months after the state government announced an overhaul of the state's environmental approval process in December, following a short review which produced 39 recommendations.

Changes to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 are designed to give Environment Minister Reece Whitby and the government greater control over environmental approval timelines.

One of the main changes outlined will enable the minister to direct the EPA to assess projects considered significant to the state within a specified timeframe.

The overhaul announcement was met with some backlash from environmental groups, namely in the form of a protest outside of Parliament House on the first day of sitting last month.

When asked about Professor Tonts' resignation this morning, Premier Roger Cook said he met with the now outgoing chair yesterday who talked about the "strength of the department" and the work around the streamline process for environmental approvals.

Mr Cook said Professor Tonts had a "very positive assessment of the way things are moving forward at the moment" and wished him the best for the future. 

Speaking to Business News last month, Mr Whitby said following the overhaul announcement, the first thing Professor Tonts told him was that they "also had a wish list of reforms, and many of those reforms matched up with the ones that were recommended." 

"He [Professor Tonts] understands that good decision making, which is timely, doesn't equal bad outcomes for the environment," Mr Whitby said.

In a statement, Professor Tonts said he was proud of his time leading the EPA through some of the most complex assessment and policy challenges in its 50-year history.

“Western Australia’s environmental impact assessment process under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 leads the nation on the assessment and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from significant proposals,” he said in a statement with EPA.

“And the strategic advice we delivered on Exmouth Gulf has strengthened the protection of one of the State’s most valuable assets.

“The EPA’s commitment to drawing attention to the importance of urban biodiversity has also been front and centre of our assessment work, engagement with stakeholders and public advice, and has helped shape environmental outcomes.”

EPA deputy chair Lee McIntosh will take over as acting chair from April.

As Curtin's new provost, Professor Tonts will be expected to lead all aspects of the university's academic program and help implement its 2030 strategy.

He will be taking over the role from Professor Jeremy Kilburn, who is returning to the UK.

Mr Tonts was previously Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean at the University of Western Australia and was later elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.

In a statement with Curtin University, Professor Tonts said he was honoured to be named Curtin University provost and would bring his passion for maximising the student experience, creating meaningful partnerships and setting ambitious social impact and sustainability agendas to the role.

“I have a deep commitment to higher education and firmly believe in its transformative power to change individual lives and build thriving communities,” he said.

“Being appointed provost is a privilege I am thrilled to be part of an institution committed to quality education, societal impact and nurturing our future leaders.

“I look forward to working alongside Curtin’s academic community to foster a collaborative culture where both staff and students can thrive.”

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said Professor Tonts was the ideal candidate to continue and expand upon the University’s high academic standards.

She said they were thrilled to welcome him back to Curtin, following his time completing a Doctor of Philosophy (geography) at the university in 1999.  

 “He brings a wealth of interdisciplinary experience across education, research and practice, which will no doubt benefit students, staff and the broader Curtin community immensely,” Professor Hayne said.

"His leadership focus on supportive and sustainable workplace culture, coupled with his experience in delivering complex strategic plans will complement the skills and strengths of our University executive team.”