An Eastern Grey kangaroo is seen near fire-affected areas on the Princes Highway in December. Conservationists say Australia's environmental laws should be strengthened in the wake of the bushfires. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong


Conservation groups have reacted angrily after Prime Minister Scott Morrison flagged a major review of Australia's environmental laws with a pledge to slash approval times.

Concern after PM pledges green tape cuts ahead of review

Conservation groups have reacted angrily after Prime Minister Scott Morrison flagged a major review of Australia's environmental laws with a pledge to slash approval times.

Mr Morrison revealed a new "single touch approval" process for major projects in a speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia's State of the Nation forum on Monday.

It came ahead of the release of the interim findings of a once-in-a-decade review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act by professor Graeme Samuel later this month.

Mr Morrison said delays associated with environmental approvals cost the industry $300 million last year alone.

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