The Coalition has proposed splitting the government's environment protection reforms into two parts, prioritising measures to fast-track projects while potentially delaying protections for nature. The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, made the offer to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of parliament's return on Monday, where the fight over the long-awaited EPBC Act updates is expected to dominate.
Ley argued that the draft laws are a 'handbrake' on investment and that splitting the legislation would achieve 'meaningful reform' for business and the environment. The Coalition wants to focus first on 'practical' measures to speed up assessment times, while putting more contentious environmental elements on hold. The government, however, is unlikely to agree, as Environment Minister Murray Watt designed the reforms as one package to avoid criticisms of previous piecemeal attempts.
The Coalition's letter did not list specific concerns, but sources cited vague tests in the assessment process, including the definition of 'unacceptable impacts', potential fines of $825m for breaches, and emissions reporting requirements. Meanwhile, the Greens oppose the bill from the opposite direction, accusing Watt of favouring big business and mining companies.
The environment bill debate coincides with internal Coalition tensions over net zero. The Nationals are conducting a review of the climate target, co-led by anti-net zero campaigner Matt Canavan. Barnaby Joyce, who recently had a public break with the party, said he would not attend party room meetings for the next fortnight, fuelling speculation of a possible defection to One Nation.
