Debate over the Labor government’s State Development Bill intensified as Parliament nears its final sessions of the year. Rita Saffioti, the Deputy Premier of Western Australia, urged critics of the bill to be “real” as lawmakers prepare to fast-track approvals for significant projects. The Legislative Council will convene at 10:00 on Wednesday and could extend its session until 22:00 in an effort to pass the legislation, which is set for final approval by the Legislative Assembly on December 16.
The proposed bill aims to create a framework to coordinate and promote projects deemed strategically or economically important for Western Australia. According to Saffioti, the government has maintained a balance between development and environmental protection, but she emphasized the need to sustain this balance.
Activists voiced their concerns outside State Parliament on Tuesday, with two dozen demonstrators gathering to protest the legislation. Matt Roberts, executive director of the Conservation Council WA, criticized the bill’s provisions that would grant Premier Roger Cook, serving as State Development Minister, the authority to designate priority projects and enforce decision-making timelines. He described these powers as an “unprecedented and unnecessary power grab.”
As discussions unfolded in Parliament, Amanda Dorn, a member of the Animal Justice party, criticized the Opposition for its contradictory stance. While Opposition MPs criticized the legislation, they ultimately agreed to allow it to proceed. Dorn labeled the bill a “disaster,” arguing that centralizing decision-making stifles innovation and creates bottlenecks instead of facilitating progress.
Steve Thomas, a Liberal MP, highlighted what he termed an “unholy alliance” between the Greens and One Nation, claiming they are impeding vital state projects by trying to delay the bill. He remarked on the unusual partnership, noting that the Greens oppose all projects unless they are renewable energy-focused, while One Nation resists approval of renewable initiatives.
The Opposition has consented to a five-year review clause for the new laws, but Brad Pettit, a Greens MP, is advocating for a review to occur after two years. He has dismissed the government’s assertion that the changes are necessary to expedite renewable energy projects. Pettit stated, “If we’re serious about fast-tracking renewables, we’d get on with doing transmission, we’d have renewable energy targets.”
As the clock ticks down to the final sessions of Parliament, the State Development Bill remains at the forefront of political discourse, reflecting deep divisions over development strategy and environmental accountability in Western Australia.
