Tim Marney to be approvals czar

Experienced bureaucrat and policy adviser Tim Marney commenced this week as the state government's new Coordinator General, focused on reforming the environmental approvals process and expediting major projects.

The new role was foreshadowed by premier Roger Cook when he unveiled a package of approvals reforms at a Business News breakfast in December.

Mr Marney’s responsibilities include coordinating the government’s approach to delivering on approvals reform.

He will also be responsible for planning and coordinating state government initiatives to release industrial land and deliver infrastructure to help deliver new projects, particularly in the green energy sector.

Mr Marney will coordinate the delivery of major projects through the approvals process.

He will also report to Cabinet on progress of major projects and work to resolve delays to priority projects.

Mr Marney brings diverse experience to the role.

Most recently he spent about six months as part-time chief economist at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.

Prior to that he was contracted to develop and implement a new model of care at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.

He is best known for his 10-year stint as WA’s Under Treasurer up to 2014.

That was followed by five years as WA’s Mental Health Commissioner and four years with consulting firm Nous Group.

The new role, located in the Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation, began this week.

Announcing the appointment, premier Roger Cook said he was committed to positioning WA as a global clean energy powerhouse.

“We simply can’t afford to miss out on billions in investment because of green and red tape,” he said.

“That’s why we’re getting on with reforming WA’s approvals processes – removing duplication and delivering more certainty for industry.

“The Coordinator General role is central to our reform agenda.

“It’ll be their job to break down silos in government, steer major job-creating projects through approvals processes, and resolve any delays.”