Whitby backs portfolio synergies as green-tape feedback flows

Environment and Energy Minister Reece Whitby says there is no conflict of interest in holding both portfolios, after the state government announced sweeping change to the environmental approvals process.

The changes announced this morning have been welcomed by industry groups but met with disappointment by environmentalists, with Conservation Council of WA president Richard Yin claiming he wasn’t aware of any environmental groups being consulted on the move.

Mr Whitby, who took over the energy portfolio last week following the cabinet resignation of Bill Johnston, was highly critical of the existing system and said the changes would facilitate better environmental outcomes.

“I think that the demands in the energy space to have projects approved are about bringing on more renewables, or about protecting the environment,” he said.

“We need to have a huge fundamental change in our energy system. My predecessor Bill Johnston embarked on laying important foundations there – decarbonisation through electrification is the key to reducing emissions, which is key to dealing with climate change, which is key to protecting our environment.”

Under the proposed legislative amendments Mr Whitby as environment minister will have more control over environmental approval timelines, with ability to set approval timeframes for the Environmental Protection Authority on projects deemed significant to the state.

A coordinator general overseeing approvals across government for projects of state significant will be appointed and sit within the economically focused Department of Jobs, Tourism Science and Innovation.

Government approvals will also be allowed to run in parallel with EPA approvals, while Mr Whitby will set a statement of intent for the EPA, with the intention of ensuring the body recognised government policy objectives and priorities.

“As minister for the environment my priority will always be the protection of the environment,” he said.

“But I have not seen an approvals process that is delayed, tortured, overly bureaucratic, time consuming, that results in a better outcome for the environment – I have not seen that once.

“What I am aware of is that a delayed, torturous, and overly bureaucratic process threatens the environment, because it threatens the delay of green energy projects.”

Tweaks will also be made to the appeals process, in a bid to avoid situations where they can be weaponised by environmental activists.

The changes were announced following a review of the current EPA approvals system by former EPA chair Paul Vogel and former government policy advisor David McFerran which resulted in 39 recommendations.

All recommendations were accepted or noted by the government, which committed to further consultation with industry and consultation as part of its broader reforms.

A number of the details announced today will require changes to existing legislation through the parliamentary process. 

Speaking following a Business News event where the announcement was made by Premier Roger Cook, Conservation Council WA president Richard Yin said he was not aware of any environmental groups that had been consulted on the changes.

“It certainly is deeply disappointing, and what we’d like is a public consultation process based on these recommendations that we can go forward with,” he said.

“We certainly hope they’re not going to be steamrolled through in a way where we aren’t consulted or given some opportunity to rebut or make further recommendations.”

The WA Liberal Party was also critical, with leader Libby Mettam labelling the changes a last-minute attempt by the government to unwind a “bureaucratic mess created under its watch”.

“While any attempt to fix the overly burdensome approvals process is acknowledged, I question why this has only become a priority for this government now, a year out from the election,” she said.

“The backlog of approvals and inefficient regulation has occurred under this government’s watch, and it has only been after facing a backlash from industry that the premier has finally taken notice.”

Industry responds

The response to today’s announcement from business groups was more buoyant.

The chorus was led by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where chief economist Aaron Morey said the changes showed government understood what was at stake for the state economy.

“Businesses have told us they’re waiting longer than ever for project approvals which jeopardises investment, so anything the state government can do to speed up the process will be good for the WA economy,” he said.

CCI research suggested green tape was costing the state $318 billion worth of investment projects and 106,000 jobs.

Mr Morey said CCIWA was confident the changes would streamline the process while maintaining quality environmental and cultural outcomes.

Chamber of Minerals and Energy chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson was equally welcoming.

The chamber has long called for regulatory measures which reduce red-tape burden, and Ms Tomkinson welcomed the introduction of a new coordinator general.

“The environment minister’s expanded directions mean the EPA’s backlog for projects of state significance can be triaged and urgent projects can be prioritised which, along with a more efficient approvals process overall, is a positive step,” she said.

“The creation of the Coordinator General position with a direct reporting line to cabinet answers CME’s calls for a greater level of transparency and accountability. 

“We look forward to seeing how this role can ensure progress is made towards materially reducing approvals timeframes, including through the identification and removal of bottlenecks across agencies in the end-to-end approvals process.”

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce said the changes were a statement to the world that WA was open for business.

“It tells government departments, companies, investors, and the world there is opportunity in the energy transition and the time to seize that opportunity is right now,” he said.

Mr Pearce said it was important extra staff brought in to help clear the backlog were clear on the mandate of speeding up the process.

Property and land groups were equally welcoming of the change.

Property Council of Australia WA interim executive director Emily Young said measures which removed burdensome red and green tape were critical to future viability of progress.

“Removing delays from the planning and approvals system is crucial to ensuring WA can meet its housing and infrastructure needs, take strides towards net zero emissions and help support the global energy transition,” she said.

“Today’s reform announcements will provide the necessary environmental protections for WA’s unique biodiversity while drastically improving the efficiency of the approvals process to get projects started.”

Urban Development Institute of Australia WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck said the announcement aligned with recent reforms proposed by the organisation to improve the existing system.

Ms Steinbeck said native vegetation clearing permits and environmental assessments could be a major constraint on timely and affordable housing development, and that she hoped a conservative approach to assessments and poor cross-department collaboration would be addressed through today’s changes.

“Just because a system is long and complex, does not mean that the best outcomes are being achieved for the environment or home buyers,” she said.

“Today’s changes ensure the integrity of the environmental approvals system, while recognising the importance of supporting quality housing in locations that have already been earmarked for urban development under current planning frameworks.”