Auditor general fast-track bill probe flags 'problematic' loophole in Cabinet conflict rules

The bill created a permanent regime to speed up consents for major infrastructure, housing, mining and energy projects. (Photo: Supplied)

Michael Neilson

Mon, 22 Sep 2025

The Government’s system for managing conflicts of interest under its new fast-track approvals regime was “sound”, but existing Cabinet rules still leave room for conflicted ministers to influence decisions, the auditor general has warned.A report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday reviewed how conflicts were handled during the passage of the Fast-Track Approvals Bill, which created a permanent regime to speed up consents for major infrastructure, housing, mining and energy projects. The legislation, passed in December 2024...

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