State calls productivity probe on environment laws

State Treasurer David Janetzki has directed the Queensland Productivity Commission to conduct a public inquiry into the impact of 2025 changes to federal environment laws.

It comes hot on the heels of the State Government’s calls for the Taroom Trough, Australia’s first new prospective oilfield in 50 years, to be considered for a National Interest Fast-Track Assessment.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt has slammed the latest move, saying that Queenslanders would be better off if the State Government worked with its federal counterparts through reforms established to speed up approvals instead of simply seeking headlines.

Mr Janestzki said the independent inquiry into Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act reforms would investigate stakeholder concerns about compliance costs, delays and uncertainty for Queensland businesses.

It would also cover the impacts of resources projects being excluded from the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment pathway, he said.

“When the changes were first passed by the Federal Government, we promised we would fight to protect the jobs of Queenslanders, and this independent inquiry will provide a crucial evidence base for us to take up that fight,” Mr Janetzki said. 

“Already, we are hearing from landholders and businesses that the recent changes will increase regulation and costs and slow down project approvals.  

“Under the Crisafulli Government, Queensland is open for business and this inquiry will examine how we can balance the environmental outcomes while driving economic growth, without tying up family farms, businesses and project proponents in bureaucracy and regulation. 

“We can’t think of anything more in the national interest right now than streamlining approvals in the Taroom Trough to produce our own fuel and put our destiny back in our own hands, which is why the Federal Government needs to come to the table.”

Senator Watt described the environmental legislation passed last year as being a well overdue measure that would streamline environmental approvals and power productivity.

“This was the first time national environmental laws had been updated in more than 25 years,” he said.

“The LNP voted against these changes, as did One Nation.

“One of the key ways we can speed up approvals is for state governments to sign bilateral agreements with us to let approvals happen simultaneously.

“So far David Crisafulli is yet to even come to the table on a bilateral agreement with us. We are still awaiting details from the Queensland Government about their Taroom proposal.”

The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed news of an inquiry into reforms to the EPBC Act.

“Queensland already has one of the highest environmental standards globally and balances mining and exploration with environmental controls, rehabilitation and remediation,” QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said. 

Reforms to the EPBC Act should recognise Queensland’s credible and stringent approvals and encourage new project development to boost gas and coal supply, she said. 

The Queensland Productivity Commission inquiry is set to run for 12 months.

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