Australia politics live: budget funds to speed up environmental approvals; Coalition deals with Farrer loss

By Krishani Dhanji · The Guardian World

Tuesday’s federal budget to include $500m to fund faster approvals for housing, energy and mining projects. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Chalmers talks up faster approvals processes as productivity boost Ahead of delivering his fifth budget tomorrow night, Jim Chalmers says the government’s moves to fast track approvals for priority projects is a key productivity measure for the country. Our big productivity push is all about getting compliance costs down and cutting red tape, making it easier and faster to build, and making Australia a more attractive place to invest and that’s what we’re doing through the EPBC. We’re fast-tracking approvals to build more homes for Australians. Now, this new funding will put those laws to work, unlocking major projects and helping proponents get a faster yes or a faster no. That’s a win-win for our economy and our precious natural environment. Continue reading...