Environment Minister Murray Watt demands cooperation from the Coalition and the Greens on environmental law reforms, threatening to proceed without their involvement. The government aims to pass the legislation establishing an Environmental Protection Agency and reforming the EPBC Act by 2025, facing opposition and seeking compromise while refusing further delays.
Environment Minister Murray Watt has issued an ultimatum to the Coalition and the Greens to work with Labor or be left behind on environmental law s.through the Senate but has been met with significant opposition.
The 1,500 page legislation would establish an Environmental Protection Agency and give discretion to the Environment Minister to approve key projects. Mr Watt told Sky News on Monday he was"very confident" the legislation would pass before the end of the final parliamentary sitting week of 2025. He said the Albanese government expected either the Coalition or the Greens to come to the negotiating table. "It's really a question about whether it's with the Coalition or the Greens... whether they want to be involved and work with us to pass these reforms," he said. "Or whether they want to sit on the sidelines while their political opponent does a deal with us instead." Environment Minister Murray Watt has issued an ultimatum to the Coalition and the Greens to work with Labor or be left behind on environmental laws. Mr Watt said the government was prepared to compromise but would not delay the reforms any longer after five years of reviews, consultations and political deadlock. "I'm very confident that we will pass these reforms this week. It's been five years since... Graham Samuel delivered his blueprint for reform of these laws," he said. The government has spent months attempting to rescue its signature overhaul of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.which violate the laws as part of efforts to convince the Coalition to sign up to the legislation.The Coalition had previously expressed concern about the proposed maximum fine of $825 million for environmental damage. However, shadow environment minister Angie Bell told Sky News that the opposition wanted to see more amendments to the bill. "We have put forward the substantive changes that we would like to see changed in these bills," she said on Monday. "The ball is in the minister's court when it comes to the amendments that need to be brought forward so that we can safeguard jobs and we can improve productivity." Ms Bell said the main issues with the bill were the extent of EPA's powers and a series of definitions about environmental impacts. The laws reference a project's "unacceptable impacts" and "net gain" to the environment, but do not provide clarity on what these mean. Mr Watt has also courted the Greens, offering amendments requiring Regional Forestry Agreements to comply with new National Environmental Standards. The changes would end longstanding exemptions and impose a "net environmental gain" requirement, meaning restoration offsets would be required for any deforestation. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said the party was willing to "kick the tyres" on the new proposal.
Environmental Law Murray Watt Coalition Greens Legislation
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia Issues Record Number of Working Holiday VisasAustralia has seen a surge in working holiday visas, reaching a record high with over 321,000 issued last financial year. This increase is primarily driven by young people from the United Kingdom, who benefit from relaxed age limits and regional work requirements. This trend is influenced by a strong Australian job market and tougher economic conditions overseas, impacting the predictability of Australia's temporary migrant intake.
Read more "
Launceston Weighs Floodgate Proposal Amidst Rising Sea Level Threats and Environmental ConcernsThe City of Launceston is considering floodgates on the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary and nature-based solutions as part of its flood mitigation strategy. This follows community calls for action amidst warnings of rising sea levels and the potential for devastating floods. The debate highlights the need to balance flood protection with environmental concerns.
Read more "
Albanese Government Offers Concessions on Logging to Pass Environmental Law OverhaulThe Albanese government is offering concessions on native forest logging to the Greens to secure passage of its environmental law overhaul. Environment Minister Murray Watt is negotiating with the Coalition and the Greens. The proposed amendments would require Regional Forestry Agreements to comply with National Environmental Standards and subject logging to a 'net environmental gain' requirement.
Read more "
Albanese Government Sweetens Deal on Native Forest Logging to Secure Greens' Support for Environmental LawsThe Albanese government offers the Greens a compromise on native forest logging, aiming to secure their support for environmental law reforms before the end of the parliamentary year. The deal involves bringing native forestry under stricter environmental standards, although a three-year transition period is proposed. This move is intended to address concerns raised by the Greens and avoid previous setbacks. The Opposition expresses reservations, while the government pushes for a swift resolution. The Greens' response will be pivotal in determining the fate of the legislation.
Read more "
Government Offers Deal to Greens on Native Forest Logging to Pass Environmental LawsThe Albanese government is negotiating with the Greens, offering a concession on native forest logging to secure support for its environmental law reforms. The government aims to pass the legislation before the end of the parliamentary year.
Read more "
Environmental experts challenge prescribed burn assessment in endangered bird habitatEnvironmental and conservation experts in Western Australia challenge claims by Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn that two endangered bird species were not present in a patch of Great Southern bushland set ablaze.
Read more "