Overview
- The government has introduced a comprehensive rewrite of national environment laws that includes a proposed federal Environment Protection Agency.
- The Coalition says it cannot support the bill in its current form, flagging concerns over EPA governance, 'net gain' rules, an 'unacceptable impact' test, and investment certainty.
- Environment Minister Murray Watt says he is open to amendments and remains confident of passing the laws with either Coalition or Greens support.
- The package contains an intervention power that Watt says could approve critical minerals projects in the national interest after full assessment, with precedent cited for limited past uses and no categorical exclusion for gas.
- Labor has launched a public campaign, including an 'EPA now' site that has generated thousands of emails to senators, as Greens and environment groups argue the reforms would weaken safeguards and fast-track resource projects.