Albanese Halts Environmental Reform Deal with Greens After Industry Pressure

The Australian Prime Minister intervened to block a compromise on nature protection laws, citing concerns about electoral risks and industry backlash.

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected a deal between the government and the Greens to establish a national environment protection authority, ending negotiations led by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
• The decision followed lobbying from the mining industry and Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who expressed opposition to the proposed legislation in its current form.
• The Greens had offered significant compromises, including dropping demands for a 'climate trigger,' but sought stronger protections for native forests and critical habitats.
• Environmental groups criticized the influence of industry on the decision, warning it delays critical reforms needed to address Australia's biodiversity and climate crises.
• Labor cited concerns over electoral risks in resource-heavy Western Australia and prioritized other legislative goals as reasons for shelving the reforms.

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The Guardian The Sydney Morning Herald Australian Broadcasting Corporation