Environment Minister Murray Watt has expressed confidence in passing significant changes to Australia's environmental protection laws this year, following what he described as 'positive' discussions with the Coalition. The proposed reforms, which aim to overhaul the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act), would be the most substantial update to national environmental regulations since 1999.
Watt conveyed his intentions during private meetings with mining industry leaders in Perth this week, urging them to lobby the Coalition to support the legislation. The government aims to introduce the bill before Parliament rises on 27 November, leaving just 12 sitting days for scrutiny. Despite the tight timeframe, details of the proposed laws remain scarce, with even key stakeholders yet to see draft legislation.
The reforms include the introduction of 'no-go' and 'go' zones to either ban or accelerate development approvals, and a bilateral agreement with Western Australia allowing the state to assess projects under federal laws. However, contentious elements such as the powers of the proposed federal environment protection agency and national environmental standards are yet to be finalized.
Labor lacks a majority in the Senate, necessitating a deal with either the Coalition or the Greens. Senior government figures reportedly favor an agreement with the opposition, which has shown openness to negotiations. Shadow Environment Minister Angie Bell confirmed three 'positive' meetings with Watt, with a fourth planned, indicating a potential bipartisan path forward.
The Coalition's key concern is limiting the environment protection agency's role to compliance and enforcement, rather than decision-making on projects. This aligns with recommendations from Graeme Samuel's review and industry preferences. However, the Greens have criticized the proposed deal, warning it prioritizes corporate profits over nature and climate action.
