Samuel Urges Bipartisan Support for Landmark Australian Nature Laws
The Albanese government’s proposed reforms to Australia’s environmental legislation face a critical juncture as key stakeholders urge compromise to avoid further delays in overhauling a system widely considered broken. Graeme Samuel, author of the pivotal 2021 review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity conservation (EPBC) Act, has issued a stern call for the Coalition and the Greens to set aside political grievances and support the legislation, warning that the future of nature is at stake.
samuel expressed his frustration with the current impasse. “I don’t know what’s going on at the moment,” he told Guardian Australia. “It frustrates me and it makes me a bit angry. What we are talking about here is the future of nature for our children, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
The coalition,under the leadership of Sussan Ley – who originally commissioned Samuel’s review while serving as environment minister in the Morrison government – has proposed splitting the bill into two parts. This approach would prioritize measures designed to expedite project approvals while deferring crucial environmental protections.Environment Minister Murray Watt swiftly rejected this proposal,as did the Business Council of Australia (BCA) on Monday.
“We favour having everything on the table at the same time, and we think that that approach assures us the best basis for getting the right balanced outcome that ultimately secures benefits to the environment and for business,” stated Bran Black, the BCA’s chief executive, representing major industry players like Woodside, BHP, and Rio Tinto.
samuel voiced his bewilderment at the Coalition’s proposal, noting that his original review recommended establishing national environmental standards as the “foundation stone” for reform. He further pointed out the opposition’s previous resistance to a staged approach to EPBC reform under the previous Labor iteration.”I can’t figure it out,” Samuel said. “I don’t know what sort of games people are playing up here.”
The Greens, led by Larissa Waters, are withholding support unless the legislation incorporates specific measures to address climate change and halt native forest logging. Samuel urged the Greens to consider the broader benefits of the proposed reforms. “I’d say to the Greens that here is an prospect to have a major reform and it takes you a long way forward of the current position,” he said, adding, “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.”
waters dismissed Samuel’s appeal, asserting that the Greens remain committed to robust environmental protections.”I’m sorry Mr Samuels isn’t happy that people aren’t picking up his report and turning it into gospel, but the Greens will always fight for nature and for an end to forest logging,” she stated.
Despite the political hurdles, Samuel continued to engage with lawmakers on Monday, discussing the urgent need for EPBC reform while attending parliament house in his capacity as chair of an airline industry group.
The government is currently circulating the remaining legislative components to stakeholders,including details regarding the powers of the proposed environment protection agency,which where published on Sunday. Shadow Environment Minister Angie Bell is scheduled to receive a briefing on Monday afternoon. Speaking on ABC RN Breakfast, Bell declared, “At this point in time, this bill is not workable.”
Industry representatives have also raised concerns, focusing on the legislation’s new definition of “unacceptable impact” on the environment, the EPA’s authority to issue “stop-work” orders, and new emissions reporting requirements. While critical of Ley’s proposed split, the BCA indicated a desire for the Coalition to negotiate a deal with Labor, effectively sidelining the Greens.
Watt has ruled out a “climate trigger” but remains open to addressing industry concerns. “What we’re about is passing a bill that is good for the environment and good for business, and it’s up to the Coalition and the Greens to decide are thay prepared to do that or are they going to go into their corners and fight for a bill that only delivers to the environment or only delivers to business?” he questioned.
