WA Priority Project Powers Allowing the State Development Minister to Modify Other Laws

State Development Bill 2025

16 Dec 2025: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

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Topics

environmental protection government oversight Indigenous affairs Indigenous heritage land use priority projects state development

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The State Development Act 2025 prevails over the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and the Environmental Protection Act 1986 if there is a conflict.
The State Development Minister can modify how other laws apply to priority projects; this requires the Premier's approval.
Modification orders cannot remove the need for key regulatory approvals for development or land access.
Project proponents must follow the conditions of modification orders; failure to do so is treated as an offence under the affected law.
The Governor appoints a Coordinator General for a term of up to 5 years.
The Coordinator General cannot take other paid work without the State Development Minister's approval.
It is a criminal offence to give false or misleading information to the State Development Minister or Coordinator General.
Officials face a $10,000 fine for unauthorised use or disclosure of information obtained under the Act.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Jackie Jarvis ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Western Australia is a place of opportunity. With our strong economy, rich reserves of critical minerals, world-class infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and abundance of renewable resources, the state is well positioned to offer a compelling investment environment across a range of industries.”

Official source →

Roger Cook ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Western Australia is a place of opportunity. With our strong economy, rich reserves of critical minerals, world-class infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and abundance of renewable resources, the state is well positioned to offer a compelling investment environment across a range of industries.”

Official source →