CCIWA has called for an overhaul of the Federal Government’s radical environmental approvals reforms during a Senate Committee hearing in Canberra.
CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey (centre) at the Senate Committee hearing.
The Senate’s Communications and Environment Legislation Committee is examining the Federal Government’s Nature Positive Bills, which aim to establish a new national Environment Protection Authority to oversee major projects.
In its submission to the Committee, CCIWA argued the body will duplicate approvals already happening at a State level and raised serious concerns about the proposed body’s governance.
The committee refused to hold any hearings in WA.
CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey told the Committee in Canberra on Friday (July 26) that WA had the most to lose from any regime that lengthened the wait times for project approvals, given the size of WA’s mining industry.
“One of the key things we’re concerned about is the future job opportunities for our kids in WA. That’s what’s at risk if we don’t get the balance right,” he said.
Social and economic benefits
CCIWA’s submission to the inquiry highlighted that the proposed national EPA would not be required to consider the social and economic benefits of projects when making decisions.
“This could have implications for a whole range of significant projects across the economy, including in agriculture, residential construction, clean energy projects, defence and major public infrastructure like roads, rail and power transmission lines,” Morey said.
“The economic and social impact of new transmission lines needed to deliver cleaner energy or residential developments to tackle the housing crisis cannot be ignored.”
A CCIWA survey of more than 950 businesses across Australia found 45% would be less likely to invest in major projects if approval timelines were lengthened.
“Project approvals are already taking too long under the current system and these radical reforms will only add to those timelines,” Morey said.
“Australia, and WA in particular, has huge opportunities in critical minerals and clean energy that could be transformational for our economy, but we need private investment to get these projects off the ground.
“These reforms risk damaging our reputation as a good place to invest and do business.”
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