The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has expressed disappointment in response to the Western Australian Government’s decision to table a report into the State’s approvals processes without any clear plan or timeframe for implementing its recommendations.
In a statement to Parliament yesterday, Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore said the report, which the Government has had since May, will now be considered by the State Government’s Ministerial Taskforce on Approvals, Development and Sustainability.
“The industry has co-operated with the Minister’s expert working group since November last year, hoping for a decisive plan to streamline the cumbersome approvals process,” AMEC Chief Executive Simon Bennison said.
“While we recognise significant improvements have been made in the Department of Mines and Petroleum, many other Departments and processes integral to the State’s approvals process need immediate and systemic action.
“It is very disappointing that the WA Government would table a document that details so many examples of expensive red tape without a comprehensive plan to implement the required changes.
“AMEC will now consult its members on the report’s recommendations and seek commitments from the State Government to implement those that have industry support immediately,” Bennison said.