Minister to retain final say on controversial projects under Labor’s long-awaited nature laws

By Dan Jervis-Bardy · The Guardian World

Retention of ministerial powers satisfies key demand of Coalition and industry but disappoints groups who wanted ‘arms-length’ review Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The environment minister will still be responsible for approving projects under new federal nature laws, after Labor rebuffed calls for a completely independent watchdog with full decision-making powers. The retention of ministerial decision-making powers satisfies a key demand from the Coalition and industry and is not opposed by the Greens. Continue reading...