SYDNEY, Tuesday 10 September — Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the government and crossbench to urgently strike a deal on the proposed nature law reforms passing through parliament amidst concerns they will be scaled back to appease the Coalition.
Comments last week from Prime Minister Albanese indicated the government could weaken proposed reforms to the national nature law, which would strip the proposed environmental protection agency, the EPA, of decision-making powers — a move supported by WA Premier Roger Cook and industry bodies.
Last night the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications released its reports into the proposed nature law reform Bills before the Senate. The majority report from Labor Senators recommended adding powers to make National Environmental Standards, tightening the definition of ‘nature positive’ and strengthening incorporation of First Nations traditional ecological knowledge. The crossbench recommended additional amendments to protect forests and incorporate climate considerations, and to strengthen the independence of the EPA.
Glenn Walker, Head of Nature at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said while the government’s plan to create a national EPA is a step in the right direction, it is vital this institution retains decision-making powers and its independence is further strengthened.
“We will not stop the extinction of native wildlife and the ongoing destruction of our natural environment without a strong national nature law and a new, independent environment watchdog with teeth to enforce it. It’s time for the government and crossbench to strike a deal to make this happen.
“Urgent measures to address the most glaring flaws in our national nature law must also be passed now. This includes removing existing exemptions for native forest logging and agricultural deforestation, ensuring the climate impacts from coal and gas mega-projects are properly assessed, and creating national environmental standards that set clear outcomes for all environmental decision-making.
“We urge the government and the crossbench to negotiate in good faith to see the proposed reforms before parliament significantly strengthened. The situation is urgent; there is simply no time to lose to save our forests and wildlife from the brink of extinction.”
—ENDS—
High res images and footage of deforestation can be found here
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org
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