In a dramatic last-minute agreement, the Australian Labor government has secured the support needed to pass what it describes as major and 'balanced' environmental reforms. The deal with the Greens party ensures the legislation will pass parliament, marking a significant shift in the nation's approach to environmental protection and development.
A New Era for Environmental Protection
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the changes had secured the necessary support in the Senate, with the laws set to pass parliament on Thursday. Thursday is the final day parliament is sitting for the year, making the timing of this agreement critical.
'When we came to government, we promised we would reform Australia's broken environmental laws,' Mr Albanese told a press conference in Canberra. 'Today, we deliver that promise. This is a landmark day for the environment in this country.'
The Prime Minister was keen to emphasise the dual benefits of the legislation, stating, 'It is also a good day for business in this country by providing more certainty, reducing delays and making sure that we get better outcomes and improve productivity.' He described the newly negotiated laws as balanced, highlighting their potential to reduce approval times for projects.
Key Components of the Environmental Reforms
The centrepiece of the legislative changes is the establishment of a federal Environment Protection Authority (EPA). This new independent body will oversee environmental regulation and enforcement at a national level.
In a significant move for the forestry sector, the government will establish a $300 million forestry growth fund to support jobs. This coincides with the removal of an exemption for high-risk land clearing, ensuring the forestry industry complies with the same rules and standards as other sectors.
The overarching aim of the bill is twofold: to ensure better protections for the environment while simultaneously tackling a backlog of critical infrastructure, energy, and housing projects by streamlining the approvals processes.
Greens' Amendments Secure Crucial Support
The eleventh-hour deal was only reached after the government agreed to several key amendments put forward by the Greens. These changes were pivotal in securing the party's support for the bill.
The amendments specifically target fossil fuel projects, successfully removing them from fast-track approvals pathways. Furthermore, the amendments ensure that such projects cannot be subject to a new 'national interest' exemption from environment laws, a significant win for environmental campaigners.
This compromise represents a major political achievement for the Labor government, delivering on a key election promise while navigating the complexities of a diverse parliamentary landscape. The passage of these laws sets a new precedent for environmental governance in Australia, aiming to balance economic development with ecological sustainability.
