The Labour Party has welcomed an inquiry into conflicts of interest surrounding the Fast Track Approvals Bill.
Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking urged the Government to wait until the Auditor-General reports back before progressing the bill through Parliament, citing concerns over transparency and potential vested interests. The inquiry is a response to allegations that some projects on the fast track list were added due to ministerial conflicts of interest.
Brooking highlighted that 149 companies benefit from being exempt from environmental laws, raising questions about the fairness of the process. She also pointed out that coalition parties received donations from companies linked to these projects and expressed concerns over previously declined projects now being included in the bill.
The Labour Party hopes the Auditor-General's inquiry will shed light on the situation and ensure transparency throughout the decision-making process. The outcome of the report is expected to influence the Government's next steps with the Fast Track Approvals Bill.