Pilot phase of govt's Investor Front Door opens

The news: The federal government has launched the pilot phase of its Investor Front Door program, which aims to streamline how investors and businesses navigate regulatory processes in the hopes of fast-tracking major projects where possible.

The context: A select number projects of national significance will have a dedicated engagement manager appointed to assist navigation of regulatory and approval requirements as well as identifying financing opportunities and specialist investment vehicles.

The projects selected to participate in the pilot phase will need to demonstrate they “have the potential to deliver transformational opportunities to Australia, will generate benefits for Australia, can benefit from the Investor Front Door’s services [and] have reasonable prospect of success,” according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

The process will also be used to identify “overlaps and gaps in Australia’s regulatory environment and project financing arrangements”.