The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) acting CEO Neil van Drunen says the shift in Western Australia’s legislative framework reflects the mining industry’s “long-held view that regulatory efficiency and certainty are critical to securing the next generation of Australian-led investment”.
“This act empowers the Coordinator General to cut through and expedite key decisions for strategic projects,” van Drunen says.
“It provides a modernised framework that supports strategic project delivery while maintaining rigorous environmental, social, and cultural assessment standards.”
Western Australia’s State Development Act was passed on 16 December 2025 after final amendments were made to improve efficiencies and better capitalise on opportunities.
AMEC says the act allows a clearer path to streamline investments in critical infrastructure, energy transition industries, and critical minerals processing.
“This act will unlock the next wave of investment for the Western Australian economy. And as we know, what’s good for the Western Australian economy, is good for Australia’s economy,” van Drunen adds.
“Western Australia is fortunate to have the best geology in the world. We now also have the policy settings to ensure we can make the most of that geology.
“The passage of this act, nine days out from Christmas, wraps a year that began with the Vogel McFerran reforms that also cut red tape.”
Western Australia’s State Development Act 2025 builds contemporary frameworks for the coordination, facilitation and promotion of development activities.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: AMEC
