3 new coal mine extensions bulldoze Labors’ environment & climate credibility

2024-09-24

The Greens say Labor can’t be trusted on the environment and climate this election after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today approved 3 new coal mine extensions in the Hunter Valley NSW.

The Albanese Government’s Nature Positive legislation remains stalled in the Senate with the Greens calling for climate impacts to be considered as part of the environmental approval process. Today’s decision comes after the environment Minister also approved destroying a native forest on Friday afternoon.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“The Government must rule out approving any new mines until Australia’s environment laws are fixed. That means including the climate impacts of polluting projects. 

“The Labor Government is deliberately and proactively approving climate wrecking coal mines under laws they know are broken. It’s wrong and irresponsible. 

“This goes to show the Albanese Government has zero credibility on the environment this election after approving 3 coal mine extensions in a single day.

“The Prime Minister was over in WA today, boasting that pollution approvals are happening faster under his government than under Scott Morrison. 

“There can now be no doubt for voters this election: the Greens are the only party you can trust on the environment and climate.

“The Environment Minister has one job: protect the environment, not the fossil fuel industry.”

Quotes attributable to Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor approving three more coal projects in the Hunter Valley is a betrayal of everyone who voted for climate action.

“To have any chance of meeting climate targets there can be no new coal or gas mines, yet Labor has now approved 26 new coal and gas projects since coming to power. Each one will make the climate crisis worse.

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than last under Scott Morrison, and now Labor has made the climate crisis even worse.

“You can’t put the fire out if you’re pouring petrol on it.”

The Greens say Labor can’t be trusted on the environment and climate this election after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today approved 3 new coal mine extensions in the Hunter Valley NSW.

The Albanese Government’s Nature Positive legislation remains stalled in the Senate with the Greens calling for climate impacts to be considered as part of the environmental approval process. Today’s decision comes after the environment Minister also approved destroying a native forest on Friday afternoon.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“The Government must rule out approving any new mines until Australia’s environment laws are fixed. That means including the climate impacts of polluting projects. 

“The Labor Government is deliberately and proactively approving climate wrecking coal mines under laws they know are broken. It’s wrong and irresponsible. 

“This goes to show the Albanese Government has zero credibility on the environment this election after approving 3 coal mine extensions in a single day.

“The Prime Minister was over in WA today, boasting that pollution approvals are happening faster under his government than under Scott Morrison. 

“There can now be no doubt for voters this election: the Greens are the only party you can trust on the environment and climate.

“The Environment Minister has one job: protect the environment, not the fossil fuel industry.”

Quotes attributable to Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor approving three more coal projects in the Hunter Valley is a betrayal of everyone who voted for climate action.

“To have any chance of meeting climate targets there can be no new coal or gas mines, yet Labor has now approved 26 new coal and gas projects since coming to power. Each one will make the climate crisis worse.

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than last under Scott Morrison, and now Labor has made the climate crisis even worse.

“You can’t put the fire out if you’re pouring petrol on it."