Labor has struck a deal with the Greens to overhaul Australia's environmental laws, ending a years-long stalemate while also addressing some business concerns. The reforms, which will pass the Senate on Thursday, introduce a national environment protection agency and new national environmental standards.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the laws as 'good for business and good for the environment'. The changes include adding 'high-risk land clearing' and regional forest agreements to national laws, rather than leaving them to states, effective within 18 months. Coal and gas projects will require federal approval for water use and will not be eligible for fast-tracking.
Environment Minister Murray Watt had been negotiating with both the Coalition and the Greens. The Greens sought stronger protections, while the Coalition wanted fewer restrictions for businesses. Labor addressed some business concerns by clarifying when the minister can reject projects with an 'unacceptable impact' and requiring a 'net gain' for the environment.
The Coalition had also been negotiating but failed to secure a deal. Former environment minister Sussan Ley, now Liberal leader, attempted reform under the Morrison government but was unsuccessful. Former Labor environment minister Tanya Plibersek also failed last parliament after a last-minute intervention from WA Premier Roger Cook.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the deal 'could have been better from an industry point of view but it could have been a lot worse', adding that the missed opportunity was to reach an agreement with the Liberal Party, which he described as a 'dysfunctional rabble'. The independent review author Graeme Samuel said he was 'absolutely delighted' with the balance achieved.
