Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I completely reject the assertion of Senator Lazarus. Every EPBC application that comes to this government is considered on its merits. Every application is considered against the law. We adhere to the law and we apply the law, and that is exactly what Minister Hunt does, regardless of the nature of the project in question. We want to make sure that it is applied as effectively and expeditiously as possible. That is why we have managed to progress more than a $1 trillion worth of environmental approvals since we have been in power, why we have got rid of much of the backlog that existed from the previous government. I will make sure in relation to this one, Senator Lazarus, that we get prompt answers for you as to why those approvals have not been forthcoming. But I can assure you, Senator Lazarus, there is no difference in treatment, but we do want to give investors the certainty so they can build and create jobs in whatever industry it is in Queensland and all around Australia. (Time expired)