The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to cut red tape and clearing the way for faster approvals, stronger business confidence, and more jobs in the Northern Territory.

Today, the government introduced that The Lands, Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill) which will:

• Fast-track approvals for low-risk projects under the Planning Act
• Modernising processes by allowing email and online publication of notice
• Expediting minor technical amendments to a water licences and environmental approvals
• Removing duplication in regulatory processes
• Promoting certainty in decision making by addressing legislative inconsistencies and clarifying ambiguity.  

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, said these reforms are common sense and long overdue after years of Labor neglect.

“Industry has told us loud and clear: Labor’s red tape and process blowouts were killing business confidence and driving investment away,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“This Bill is about cutting delays, restoring certainty, and getting projects moving so Territorians can get the jobs and opportunities they deserve.”

The changes are part of the CLP Government’s broader plan to Rebuild the Economy Strategy 2025, attract private investment, and deliver jobs for Territorians, alongside implementing recommendations from the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce Report.

The NT Division of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) said they are encouraged by the Bill and welcome the cutting of red tape through the progress on approvals processes. 

"Industry has long called for a smoother process to respond to the market and community requirements, and to encourage investment in the Territory on behalf of the entire community,” said UDIA NT CEO, Mr Drew Wagner.

"We believe that this proposal is a good start to achieve this on behalf of all Territorians. 

"Economic development can only be delivered if surety and efficiency of process can be delivered. We have never questioned the validity of the approval process, to protect our social and environmental assets, but we needed to look at the efficiency of the process," said Mr Wagner.

"We believe that this Bill goes a long way to proving that, and that the Government should be supported in this endeavour. We look forward to the details to come."

“We promised Territorians a year of action, certainty and security, and this Bill delivers on that promise,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“Unlike Labor, who buried business in bureaucracy, we are making the Territory an attractive, investment-ready destination.”

The Lands, Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will be debated in the September 2025 parliamentary sittings.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom