Morrison government flouts own review by proposing 'watered down' environmental standards

Document given to Senate crossbenchers outlines plan to transfer environmental decision-making powers to states and territories

The Morrison government is preparing to reject a recommendation it introduce strong national environmental standards to improve protection of Australian wildlife, opting to instead mimic the failing existing laws.

A document, seen by Guardian Australia, sets out the proposed standards the government will introduce to underpin its plan to transfer environmental decision-making powers to state and territory governments.