A new agency will be created under Labor’s proposed overhaul of environmental laws but the Federal Environment Minister will retain decision-making powers over whether projects are approved or rejected.

Under the redesigned legislation — expected to be introduced to Parliament on Thursday — Murray Watt will announce the creation of Australia’s first National Environmental Protection Agency.

Senator Watt on Sunday said the NEPA would oversee compliance and enforcement but, unlike the failed Nature Positive reforms proposed by predecessor Tanya Plibersek, the minister of the day would still be ultimately responsible for project approvals.

“An independent (National Environmental Protection Agency) will have strong compliance and enforcement oversight to better protect our precious environm

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