Scientists fear Coalition's push to deregulate environmental approvals will lead to extinction crisis

Scott Morrison's announcement in wake of bushfires is distressing' and puts threatened species at risk, ecologists say

Scientists have expressed dismay and frustration at Scott Morrison's latest push to deregulate the environmental approval process for major developments, noting it comes just months after an unprecedented bushfire crisis and during a review of national conservation laws.

In a speech on Monday, the prime minister said he wanted to slash approval times for major projects by moving to a streamlined single touch" system for state and federal environmental assessments.