WHAT'S HAPPENING?

* The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is due for its once-in-a-decade review. It was legally required to start by the end of this month.

* A discussion paper will be released next month, outlining the starting point and calling for initial submissions.

* Former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Graeme Samuel is leading it.

* He'll be joined by a panel of four experts, representing indigenous land management, environmental law, agriculture and farming, as well as mining.

WHO ARE THE EXPERTS?

* Indigenous land management: Wik Ngathan man Bruce Martin, who is a member of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.

* Environmental law: Andrew Macintosh, Australian National University professor, also chair of the independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

* Agriculture and farming: Wendy Craik, head of the Climate Change Authority, Reserve Bank board member and former head of the National Farmers' Federation.

* Mining: Erica Smyth, chair of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority Advisory Board, and has held senior roles at BHP and Woodside.

WHAT DO THE LAWS DO?

* They seek to not only protect the environment but promote biodiversity conservation, ecologically sustainable development and indigenous knowledge.

* Environment Minister Sussan Ley says the laws are bogged down in process, with decisions taking three and a half years on average.

* The minister hopes the review results in more streamlined laws.

WHAT"S NEXT?

* After the discussion paper's released next month, reform options will be looked at in February.

* A draft report has been flagged for June next year, ahead of the final report in October.

* In between, the review team will travel around Australia to consult with stakeholders.

Australian Associated Press