The Queensland Government has taken the unusual step of ordering an inquiry into the processes of another level of government.
Treasurer David Janetzki has directed the Queensland Productivity Commission to conduct a public inquiry into how 2025 changes to federal environment laws impact the state.
The inquiry will “investigate stakeholder concerns about compliance costs, delays and uncertainty for Queensland businesses”.
It will also review the impacts of resources projects being excluded from the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway.
The move was prompted by the State Government pushing for the Taroom Trough oil reserve to be considered under the EPBC’s National Interest Fast-Track Assessment.
Mr Janetzki said there were concerns that the federal changes were costing jobs and economic growth.
“Already, we are hearing from landholders and businesses that the recent changes will increase regulation and costs and slow down project approvals,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Janetzki said the inquiry would inform Queensland’s engagement with the Federal Government on these issues.
It will run for 12 months, with opportunities for feedback through public consultation.
