Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): Thank you, Mr Speaker. Today, the Government released an exposure draft of core provisions of the proposed law to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). I intend to refer this draft and the accompanying parliamentary paper that has been tabled in the House to the Environment Committee for consideration. The Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA) covers land use and environmental protection. It will be the primary replacement for the RMA, which the Government promised at the election to repeal and replace. The proposed Strategic Planning Act will sit above the NBA to develop long-term regional spatial strategies. Improving our planning system is a priority for the Government. The current system takes too long, costs too much, has not adequately protected the environment, nor sufficiently enabled development like housing. 