CHANGES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAWS
WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT WANT?
The Abbott government wants to amend environmental protection laws to make it harder for green groups to launch legal challenges.
It comes after a Federal Court challenge uncovered the environment minister's failure to take into account a threat two endangered species would have been exposed to when approving the $16.5 billion Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland.
WHAT LAWS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
The provisions of the law in question were introduced by the Howard government in 1999 and relate to who has the right to mount a legal challenge against a ministerial approval.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY NOW?
Under existing law, anyone involved in activities relating to the protection, conservation or research into the environment in the two years before a decision can launch an appeal.
WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT WANT TO CHANGE?
It's not yet entirely clear but Prime Minister Tony Abbott has indicted he wants to remove sections relating to appeals by individuals and green groups not directly impacted by a development.
Legislation for the changes is expected to be introduced to parliament on Thursday.
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