Rita Saffioti at an announcement re. housing construction.
The debate surrounding the **State Development Bill** intensified as **Rita Saffioti**, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, called on critics to be realistic about the legislation aimed at expediting approvals for significant projects. The **Legislative Council** is set to convene early at **10:00 AM** on Wednesday, with discussions potentially extending until **10:00 PM** in an effort to pass the bill. Following this, the **Legislative Assembly** will reconvene to finalize the law on **December 16, 2023**.
Saffioti emphasized the need for a balanced approach between development and environmental protection, stating, “We have had — and continue to deliver — a very good balance.” The proposed legislation is designed to create a new framework that coordinates and promotes projects deemed strategically or economically significant for Western Australia.
The bill has seen some concessions from the **Labor Party** in response to opposition amendments, aimed at securing broader support.
Public Backlash and Political Tensions
Outside the State Parliament, approximately two dozen activists staged a protest against the legislation. **Matt Roberts**, executive director of **Conservation Council WA**, criticized the bill’s provisions that would grant **Premier Roger Cook**, serving as State Development Minister, the authority to declare priority projects and impose decision-making timelines. He described this as an “unprecedented and unnecessary power grab.”
Inside the parliament, political tensions escalated as **Amanda Dorn**, a member of the **Animal Justice Party**, accused the Opposition of lacking the courage to oppose the bill, despite their vocal criticisms. She labelled the proposed legislation a “disaster,” asserting that centralizing decision-making stifles innovation and leads to inefficiencies.
Liberal MP **Steve Thomas** characterized the collaboration between the **Greens** and **One Nation** as an “unholy alliance” that obstructs progress on critical state projects. He noted the unusual partnership, where the Greens oppose projects not centered on renewable energy, while One Nation rejects renewable initiatives.
Calls for Review and Future Considerations
The Opposition has agreed to include a five-year review clause within the legislation. However, **Brad Pettit**, a Greens MP, is advocating for a review after two years and disputes the government’s assertion that the bill is essential for accelerating renewable energy projects. He argued, “If we’re serious about fast-tracking renewables, we’d get on with doing transmission, we’d have a renewable energy target.”
The ongoing discussions reveal deep divisions within Western Australian politics regarding the balance between development and environmental stewardship, highlighting the complexities of advancing major projects in the region. As the clock ticks down to the final vote, both supporters and critics of the **State Development Bill** are preparing for the implications of this pivotal legislation.
