Former competition watchdog chief Graeme Samuel has issued a stark warning to the Labor government, demanding they abandon their proposed 'national interest' workaround for environmental protection laws.
The prominent figure, who led a landmark review of Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in 2020, argues that creating special fast-track provisions for projects deemed in the national interest would fundamentally undermine environmental safeguards.
The Controversial Workaround Proposal
Under the proposed changes, the environment minister would gain powers to designate certain projects as being in the 'national interest', potentially allowing them to bypass standard environmental approval processes. This mechanism has drawn comparisons to the controversial 'call-in' powers used by previous governments.
Samuel's intervention comes as Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek faces increasing pressure from both environmental groups and industry stakeholders over the delayed reforms to Australia's environmental laws. The government had previously committed to implementing Samuel's review recommendations in full.
The original review, delivered five years ago, found Australia's environment was in unsustainable decline and required fundamental reform of protection laws. Samuel's latest comments suggest he believes the proposed workaround contradicts the spirit of his recommendations.
Growing Concerns About Environmental Standards
Environmental organisations have expressed alarm that the national interest provision could be used to fast-track fossil fuel projects and other developments with significant environmental impacts. They argue this creates a dangerous precedent that prioritises economic considerations over environmental protection.
Samuel emphasised that proper environmental protection and economic development are not mutually exclusive, but require robust, transparent processes rather than ministerial discretion that could be subject to political pressure.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension within the Labor government between delivering on environmental promises and managing economic priorities, particularly in regions dependent on resource projects.
What Happens Next for Environmental Reform
With the government yet to introduce its full environmental law reform package to parliament, Samuel's comments represent a significant intervention from the architect of the proposed reforms. His stance adds weight to environmental groups' concerns about potential compromises in the legislation.
The situation places Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek in a challenging position, balancing the implementation of Samuel's review against other government priorities and potential crossbench negotiations required to pass the legislation.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on whether the government heeds Samuel's warning or proceeds with a workaround mechanism that critics argue could undermine the entire reform process.
