The Hon. David Janetzki, Treasurer of Queensland, Media Release, 13 April 2026
The Crisafulli Government is committed to unlocking productivity for Queenslanders with an inquiry into the impact of the Federal Government’s 2025 environmental legislation.
Changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) have raised concerns with stakeholders about increased regulatory burden, compliance costs, uncertainty and delays.
Today, Treasurer David Janetzki has directed the Queensland Productivity Commission to conduct a public inquiry into how the 2025 changes to federal environment laws are affecting Queenslanders now and into the future.
It follows the Crisafulli Government’s call for the Federal Government to recognise the Taroom Trough – Australia’s first new prospective oilfield in 50 years – as a project of national interest and streamline EPBC approvals under the National Interest Fast-Track Assessment Pathway, which is already in place for other major projects.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and bolstering the nation’s long-term fuel security with streamlined approvals to support the development of the Taroom Trough as a prospective major oil supply for domestic fuel.
After a decade of failed policies under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering certainty and efficiency for the State’s resources, housing and agricultural sectors, with the Federal Government urged to play their part to streamline approvals.
The QPC inquiry will examine economic impacts, risk to jobs, cost-shifting to states, impacts on major projects, and the consequences of the changes for agricultural production, land value and land management.
The comprehensive and independent assessment will inform Queensland’s engagement with the Federal Government on bilateral agreements required to fully implement some aspects of the changes.
Treasurer Janetzki said stakeholders were concerned the changes were slowing down project approvals, costing jobs and economic growth, at a time when Queensland was looking to accelerate productivity and delivery of major projects.
“When the changes were first passed by the Federal Government, we promised we would fight to protect the jobs of Queenslanders and this independent inquiry will provide a crucial evidence-base for us to take up that fight,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“Already, we are hearing from landholders and businesses that the recent changes will increase regulation and costs and slow down project approvals.
“Under the Crisafulli Government, Queensland is open for business and this inquiry will examine how we can balance the environmental outcomes while driving economic growth, without tying up family farms, businesses and project proponents in bureaucracy and regulation.
“We can’t think of anything more in the national interest right now than streamlining approvals in the Taroom Trough to produce our own fuel and put our destiny back in our own hands, which is why the Federal Government needs to come to the table.
“The evidence and recommendations will help us identify opportunities to unlock productivity to drive Queensland’s economic growth.”
The inquiry will run for 12 months, with all Queenslanders having an opportunity to provide input and feedback through public consultation.
