2025-08-26
Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has responded to the Environment Minister’s announcement EPBC change will be tabled by the end of the year.
“The Greens have been ready and willing to negotiate with the Albanese Government for the past 3 years to fix our broken environment laws.
“Australia needs new environment laws that protect nature, consider climate as well as giving efficient responses to applicants.
“Our Howard era environmental laws aren’t working for anyone, except the big fossil fuel companies that continue to block any changes.
“With updated and fit for purpose environment laws we could build houses, save koalas and protect our climate.
“Environment laws that protect nature must include:
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protection of critical habitat and forests
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stop species extinction
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a climate trigger
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federal control over approvals
“The only thing standing in the way of creating laws that give clearer guidance and faster processing are the big fossil fuel companies who prefer the status quo and have repeatedly used their political muscle to prevent fixing the laws.
“Our door is always open to the Government to work together so that we can have laws that actually protect nature.
“Putting in place clear rules, including the protection of critical habitat and a climate trigger would allow for faster and more efficient assessments.”