Overview

• Environment Minister Murray Watt has prioritized legislating a federal Environment Protection Agency and overhauling the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
• Watt is set to travel to Western Australia to meet Premier Roger Cook and mining industry leaders to negotiate support for the reforms.
• The minister has committed to deciding on Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project extension by the May 31 deadline, following years of delays.
• The proposed reforms include national environmental standards, no-go zones for development, and mandated restoration funding, aligning with recommendations from the Samuel Review.
• Watt is reconsidering the 'Nature Positive' branding for the reforms to improve public understanding and support.