Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spoken against the environmental approval process for major projects.

The PM says the process of accounting for environmental risks of major process is too complex, lengthy and tough to navigate.

In a speech for Australia’s major lobbyists from the Business Councils of Australia (BCA), Mr Morrison said he wants things to happen sooner.

“Environmental approval processes for major projects are overly complex and duplicative and they take too long,” he said.

He said the Government would try to make things easier by allowing companies to submit an application online.

“As in other areas, digital technology gives us the opportunity to make these processes faster and simpler,” he said.

“It takes approximately three-and-a-half years for a complex major project to navigate the state and Commonwealth environmental assessment processes.

“It is estimated this timeframe could be reduced by between six and 18 months through the better use of technology.”

The Federal Government will soon undertake a major review of federal environmental laws.

The Prime Minister made the comments as he outlined a broader deregulation agenda.

He said the Government is looking or new ways to streamline enterprise bargaining and the national award system, removing so-called “clutter” from the process.

“While the number of awards has reduced, it appears that they have not become simpler, indeed many believe that they have become more complex,” Mr Morrison said.

“The degree of administrative clutter associated with the compliance regime and the enterprise bargaining process can also detract from business improvements that can arise from working together for mutual benefit and ensuring people get paid what they should get paid.”

He said he would not do anything without the business community telling him to.

“But I again underscore the obligation on the business community … to marshal the evidence and make the case for change,” Mr Morrison said.