Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia
The Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, WA Minister for the Environment
Faster, more streamlined environmental approvals for Western Australian projects are a step closer, with the Federal and WA Governments today committing to progress a new bilateral agreement.
The Albanese Government's landmark environmental law reforms, passed in December, pave the way for the development of new and improved bilateral agreements with states and territories.
The new agreements will remove the current duplicated system where state and federal assessments are both required, which extends the timeframe for project decisions.
This will result in faster approvals and deliver stronger environmental protections.
During a meeting in Perth today, Minister for the Environment Murray Watt and WA Premier Roger Cook signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out a pathway to new assessment and approval bilateral agreements for WA.
The MoU, which has been in development since late last year, outlines the shared intent of the two Governments to develop the new agreements, including key objectives, actions and governance arrangements.
The bilateral agreement will be developed to meet the requirements set out in the reforms to the national environment law which will be in full effect by 1 December 2026.
As part of the rollout of the reforms, National Environmental Standards will be finalised from mid-2026 to further enable negotiations on bilateral agreements.
It is expected that a bilateral assessment agreement will be finalised between the two governments by the end of the year with negotiations to begin on an approvals agreement shortly after.
Quotes attributable to Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt:
"The signing of the MoU today represents a significant step toward faster decision making, while protecting WA's incredible natural environment and heritage.
"Key objectives of our agreement today include the establishment of a single State-led assessment, where possible with a single set of conditions, with assurance provided by our new National Environmental Protection Agency.
"The MoU also includes a commitment to maintaining a high standard of environmental protection consistent with the new National Environmental Standards.
"The development of a bilateral agreement with WA presents a significant opportunity to supercharge economic growth and progress key projects for the State and the nation, including housing, energy and critical minerals.
"I thank Premier Cook and the WA Government for getting on the front foot and engaging quickly and constructively following the passage of the reforms in December.
"I encourage all states and territories to come to the table like the Cook Government has to get moving on these important agreements."
Quotes attributable to WA Premier Roger Cook:
"My government's vision is to ensure Western Australia's economy remains the strongest in the nation so WA can remain the best place in the world to get a quality job.
"To continue supporting that vision, our State requires an assessment system that protects and restores our environment while continuing to deliver our economic priorities.
"We have already reformed processes at a State level to cut duplication, lift certainty and get decisions made faster, without compromising environmental outcomes.
"This milestone builds on that work, with a new bilateral agreement to support a single, streamlined assessment process that works for WA.
"We will now continue working with our partners, including the Commonwealth, industry, Traditional Owners and the community, to implement practical and transparent arrangements that deliver strong outcomes on the ground."
Quotes attributable to WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"WA's assessment system is robust, science based and built for WA's conditions.
"A new bilateral assessment agreement will streamline assessment processes and strengthen transparency and accountability.
"This announcement is about recognising our capability and delivering a single, efficient assessment pathway.
"By removing unnecessary duplication, we can focus effort where it matters most, protecting the environment, improving decision timeframes, and giving the community clearer, more consistent information."
