Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Opposition and Greens can talk about environmental problems or vote for the solution. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Anthony Albanese has made an impassioned plea to the Federal Parliament to pass his government’s environmental protection legislation, describing the current nature laws as broken and obsolete.
But the Prime Minister’s address to the House of Representatives on Wednesday (6 November) has so far failed to sway the Opposition or the crossbench.
Environment Minister Murray Watt introduced the legislation last week, and the Federal Government wants it passed sooner rather than later. It will sit late this week to debate it, with the hope of bringing it to a vote in the Lower House today.
The Senate, however, has already voted to refer the bill to an inquiry when it comes before the Upper House.
The bill seeks to establish a national environment protection agency and require development projects to report carbon emissions.
It specifically rules out a climate trigger that would prevent projects from proceeding. It includes provisions for the minister to approve projects on the grounds of national interest, even if they don’t meet all environmental guidelines.
It also allows for no-go zones where projects can be denied before applications are progressed.
Mr Albanese said Australia doesn’t have to choose between a strong economy or a healthy environment.
“We don’t have to choose between creating jobs and cutting emissions. We can do both,” he said.
“Indeed, we must do both, because each one depends on the other.
“The current laws are broken. They were written by the Howard government for a very different Australia, and they haven’t just become obsolete – they’ve become an obstacle.
“They’re not working for the environment, and they’re not delivering for business.
“They are a barrier to jobs and investment across our nation, and in many cases, they overlap or duplicate state and local government processes.”
The Prime Minister said the new laws would drive “better, clearer and speedier decision making” and make it easier for proposed development projects to get a yes or no answer from the government sooner than has been the case.
He said providing that kind of certainty is the key to encouraging investment in our economy.
“And every bit as important as encouraging investment in our economy is ensuring there’s a better system of protections for Australia’s precious and unique natural environment,” the PM added.
While Mr Albanese was speaking in the House of Representatives, he directed some of his remarks to the Senate, where the government needs the support of the Opposition or the Greens for the legislation.
“They can talk about the problem, or they can vote for the solution. That is the choice that will be before the Senate,” he said.
“I say this to the Opposition and to the Greens political party: this is good for jobs, good for industry, but it’s also good for the environment.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks were followed by Liberal frontbencher Julian Leeser, who responded by accusing Labor of trying to rush the legislation through both Houses of Parliament.
He said the bill does not seek to make small changes or amendments and must be properly scrutinised.
“It’s almost 1500 pages of legislation and explanatory materials that reaches into every corner of the economy that builds, digs, grows and manufactures,” Mr Leeser said.
“The Senate has already had to step in and refer it to an inquiry.”
Teal independents in the House of Representatives have indicated they will oppose legislation when it is put to a vote, even though the government has the numbers there to pass it.
They have drafted a number of amendments that would significantly rewrite major parts of the legislation, including preventing an environment minister from invoking a national interest exemption for fossil fuel projects.
The Greens have also said they will use their one vote in the Lower House to vote against the legislation.
However, all eyes are on the Senate, and whether Labor can strike a deal with either the Greens or the Coalition to pass the bill.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the legislation in its current state does not go far enough to protect forests and address climate change.
“These laws have been criticised by every major environment and climate group, but welcomed by the likes of BHP, Chevron and the BCA [Business Council of Australia]. This shows exactly who the laws are written for,” she said.
“It is now up to the Prime Minister to decide if he wants to again let mining and logging lobbyists and their political representatives like [WA Premier] Roger Cook run the show, or if he wants to protect nature, forests and our climate.”
