Fast track approvals in EPBC Act

Question

1. Did DISR consult DCCEEW on the removal of fossil fuel actions / projects (coal, petroleum) from the fast track approval pathway under the new EPBC Act? a. Did you receive any advice and when? b. Any advice from DCCEEW? Others? c. Is it the departments view that fossil fuel projects are not in the national interest? d. Now we have experienced an energy and fuel crisis. Was it a mistake to restrict fossil fuel projects given we have 42 years worth of oil underground in Australia? 2. How does that decision accord with ACCC and AEMO advice that we need more energy supply? 3. Did the Minister or Department consult the Energy or Environment Ministers, or their department or the energy parts of the department before the fossil fuel actions were removed from the fast track approval pathway?

Answer

See attached response.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• BI-052_McDonald_Fast track approvals in EPBC Act_DISR.pdf (opens in a new tab)