Greens Welcome Opportunity for New Environmental Legislation: What It Means for Our Future

The EPBC reform is a hot topic at the Government’s Productivity Roundtable happening in Canberra today. Greens spokesperson for the Environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, is optimistic about updating the EPBC Act to better serve Australia.

She emphasizes that Australia needs modern environmental laws that prioritize nature and address climate issues. “Our current laws, dating back to the Howard era, aren’t working for anyone except big fossil fuel companies,” she notes. These companies often resist changes that would benefit the environment.

Senator Hanson-Young believes that with proper updates, Australia could take significant steps—like building homes, saving koalas, and protecting our climate. The Greens have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Albanese Government for the past three years. “We remain open to working together for laws that truly protect our environment while helping businesses get timely responses to their applications,” she adds.

She mentions that clarity in regulations, such as protecting crucial habitats and implementing a climate trigger, would lead to quicker and more efficient environmental assessments. This kind of reform could balance development needs with environmental protection.

Recent surveys reveal that over 75% of Australians are concerned about climate change and support stricter environmental laws. This growing public sentiment could push lawmakers to act decisively. As community demand for ecological protection rises, it’s more critical than ever for both government and industry to find common ground.

The discussion on EPBC reform reflects a larger trend seen worldwide, where citizens are urging their governments to prioritize sustainability and combat climate change. As this dialogue continues, we may see a shift in how environmental laws are shaped not just in Australia, but globally.

For more detailed insights on environmental policy, you can explore reports from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment here.

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