THE Coalition’s plan to cut red tape by establishing a one-stop-shop for mining project approvals may come undone after the Greens and Palmer United parties reached a deal to dismantle the proposed policy frameworks.
Under the policy, the federal government would bestow its environmental approvals power to the states, enabling a swifter approvals process to get new mining projects underway.
However, in exchange for support on an inquiry into the Queensland Government, the Palmer United Party agreed to support a motion to shut down the one-stop shop policy framework, potentially damaging growth in the resource industry.
The move has triggered protest from the business community, which says the Senate decision would further diminish Australia’s competitiveness.
The Senate Inquiry into the Queensland Government, which underpins the Greens-PUP deal, is expected to commence in coming weeks.
For more information on this important political development, visit the following links:
Media Release from Larissa Waters, Greens Party
Joint Media Release: Senate must rethink one-stop shop in national interest
