The Coalition has called on the government to split its proposed environment protection reforms into two separate bills, prioritising measures to fast-track projects while delaying protections for nature. Opposition leader Sussan Ley made the offer to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of the return of federal parliament on Monday, where the legislation is expected to dominate proceedings.
In a letter to Albanese, Ley and shadow environment minister Angie Bell argued that the government's draft reforms risk adding complexity and uncertainty, creating a 'handbrake on investment' without delivering commensurate environmental gains. The Coalition wants to first deal with 'practical' measures to speed up assessment times for projects, putting the more contentious environmental elements on the backburner.
The government is unlikely to accept the offer, as Environment Minister Murray Watt designed the laws as one package to avoid criticism of previous attempts to revamp the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Watt announced on Sunday that the minister would retain decision-making powers on projects, satisfying a key demand from the Coalition and industry.
The political fight over the nature laws coincides with the Coalition's internal debate over net zero, which is set to intensify when backbench MPs meet on Friday. The Nationals are conducting their own review of the climate target, co-led by anti-net zero campaigner Matt Canavan, who would not confirm whether the review is complete.
