Reform Deal Ends Long Stalemate
Australia prepares the biggest overhaul of its nature laws in decades as the government pushes major reforms with an independent environment regulator. The Labor government secured support from the Greens after talks with the opposition collapsed. The reforms add new protections for native forests, tighten land-clearing rules and restrict fast-tracking for coal and gas projects. Critics argue the plan still lacks ambition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the laws will support nature and business while accelerating major projects linked to housing, renewable energy and critical minerals. With Greens backing, the package will likely clear the Senate on Thursday, the final sitting day of the year.
Opposition Slams the Agreement
The opposition negotiated for months to secure more business concessions but failed to reach a deal. Liberal leader Sussan Ley called the Labor-Greens agreement “dirty” and warned of job losses in forestry. The breakthrough arrives five years after a major review found Australia’s nature laws unfit for purpose. The government said the reforms will protect the environment for future generations and speed projects in high-priority sectors like housing, renewable energy and critical minerals. Albanese said everyone agrees the current laws are broken and must change to protect the environment and improve economic productivity.
New National Regulator on the Way
The new laws will create Australia’s first national environment protection agency and set national standards for safeguarding endangered wildlife. The reforms will scrap exemptions for high-risk land clearing and place regional forest agreements under federal oversight instead of state control. Greens leader Larissa Waters said her party secured important wins but criticised the absence of a climate trigger that could halt fossil-fuel projects based on emissions. Instead, projects must report their emissions and outline plans to reach net zero by 2050. A water trigger will require federal approval for coal and gas water use.
Climate Concerns Remain Strong
Climate Council chief Amanda McKenzie welcomed gains for native forests but said new coal and gas projects still receive a free pass on climate pollution. She said this gap weakens laws meant to protect nature from climate threats. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen warned Australia will miss its 2035 emissions targets without major changes. The government earlier pledged to cut emissions at least 62% below 2005 levels by 2035, but forecasts show reductions of only 48 to 52%.
