The Business Council of Australia cautiously welcomed progress on the ESD process, adding that, "while there are many aspects of the final ESD reports which industry associations still do not support, commendable progress has been made."

"The final reports now confirm that better environmental management can be accomplished in all sectors of the Australian economy; and that this significant improvement can be made without radical and damaging impacts on our competitiveness" Mr Peter McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Business Council said.

"Unfortunately the central problem afflicting development in Australia is the lack of national direction in government and no advisory process, including the ESD process, can resolve that issue," Mr McLaughlin commented. "What is needed now is a firm statement by Government that Australia's environmental problems require better management, not the shutdown of industries, and that we can now get on with developing this great country."

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