The government had a big blow-out in environment decision-making delays, and its no wonder, since departmental funding had been cut almost 40% since the Libs and Nats took office.

They’re blaming environmental protections to distract from their own incompetence. #auspol https://twitter.com/lanai_scarr/status/1253445738035478528

Australians want to see decisions being made on time, not late.

We want to see good projects getting approved without delay caused by government cuts & incompetence.

We want high-quality decisions that aren't made vulnerable to legal challenge by ministerial incompetence.

None of those require environmental protections to be watered down.

Conserving biodiversity, protecting vulnerable species & looking after our natural environment are inherently worthwhile and have never been so important, for our economy, health, and quality of life.

This government is trying to make out there's some conflict between creating jobs and environmental protection. That's false.

Land management & conservation can and will create jobs in the recovery.

And to get projects up and running sooner the government should be focussed on getting its house in order.

If they have sensible ideas, let's hear them.

But the government must not cynically use the COVID-19 crisis as cover for implementing a right-wing de-regulatory agenda.