Peter Dutton declares Coalition government would be the mining sector’s ‘best friend’

Opposition leader says he would defund the Environmental Defenders Office and cut ‘green tape’ as PM

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has anointed himself the resource sector’s best friend, pledging to slash the power and influence of environmental groups to challenge mining proposals if he wins government.

Dutton will commit to defunding the Environmental Defenders Office and limiting the ability for third parties to challenge decisions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act if he becomes prime minister.