The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ (DISER) Major Projects Facilitation Agency (MPFA) is to be reviewed.
The Agency helps project planners to work their way through Government approval processes and the Review is to ensure proponents can navigate the regulatory processes as quickly as possible, at least cost, while maintaining protection for the Australian community.
The Review is to be conducted by Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ben Morton with the assistance from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr Morton said his Review would assess whether the MPFA’s role, functions, governance arrangements and resourcing were aligned with Government objectives.
“Project proponents need a clear, certain and fast path to approval, where regulatory processes remain necessary,” Mr Morton said.
“The Review will look at how MPFA can enable proponents of nationally significant projects that align with the Government’s strategic objectives to navigate regulatory processes as quickly as possible, and at least cost,” he said.
“The Review will be informed by international experience and feedback from industry stakeholders.”
Mr Morton said ensuring that the MPFA was supporting project proponents to quickly and effectively navigate the regulatory processes would help Australia remain an attractive destination for investment in major projects.
The Assistant Minister said targeted consultation was being conducted with stakeholders across Government and industry.