Mining companies could be unnecessarily banned from applying for changes to environmental rulings on their own projects under laws rushed through federal parliament last week that the government insists are narrowly targeted to protect Tasmania’s salmon industry.

The legislation, which passed into law two days before the election was called with the support of both Labor and the Coalition, removes the minister’s ability to reconsider environmental rulings on projects if they meet certain narrow criteria. The laws were passed without being referred to a Senate inquiry.