Labour MP Peeni Henare says the coalition’s Fast Track Approvals Bill flips the script on how Labour used fast tracking during the pandemic.

The bill, which will give three ministers the power to override existing environmental protections, sparked a major protest in Auckland at the weekend with marchers filling Queen St from Aotea Square to Britomart.

Mr Henare says Labour’s fast track was used to stimulate the New Zealand economy and create jobs while continuing to promote sustainable management of natural and physical resources.

While Cabinet looked at the proposals, it acted on the advice of an expert panel.

“Now that’s the difference. That’s where others and experts in the field have a very clear say. They included environmentalists, scientists, business people and others to make sure that the decision was a sound one. The Fast Track bill that’s currently in front of parliament does the opposite smf it puts the power in the hands of three ministers,” Mr Henare says.

The environment select committee is hearing submissions on the bill this week.