Why Urgent Updates to Environmental Laws Are Essential for Housing and Climate Goals, According to Watt

Australia faces a pressing need to overhaul its outdated environmental laws, according to Environment Minister Murray Watt. These changes are crucial for tackling housing issues, addressing climate change, and boosting productivity to enhance wages. However, reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act won’t be introduced this year.

Watt emphasized that updating these laws is essential for achieving vital national goals, such as increasing housing availability, transitioning to renewable energy, and respecting First Nations aspirations. Despite a meeting with various stakeholders that showcased a broad agreement on several issues, significant disagreements remain. For instance, the push for a “climate trigger”—a mechanism to assess projects based on their carbon emissions—is a contentious topic, as the existing laws from 1999 fail to consider climate impacts.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young expressed concern about the lengthy delay in reform. She urged for a pause on major projects that could harm the environment until new legislation is in place. “This is a long time for forests and habitats to be destroyed,” she pointed out.

While Watt is open to discussions, he recognized that not everyone agrees on integrating climate considerations into the new laws. However, Amanda McKenzie, chief executive of the Climate Council, noted that without incorporating climate change impacts, the reforms would fail to address the current environmental crisis.

Recent statistics highlight the urgency of this reform. A survey by the Climate Council found that 75% of Australians believe robust environmental laws are essential for protecting ecosystems and managing climate impacts.

As discussions continue, the government will need support from either the Coalition or the Greens to push these reforms forward. Shadow Environment Minister Angie Bell stated that while the Coalition supports reforming outdated laws, it’s essential to balance environmental protection with industry needs.

Despite the challenges, there’s hope for progress. With more time until the next federal election, there’s an opportunity to reach a consensus. The political landscape has shifted since the last election, indicating a readiness for change. Both Watt and key stakeholders must navigate these complex discussions to finally update the EPBC Act, shaping a sustainable future for Australia.



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EPBC, environment, climate change, climate trigger, Murray Watt, Angie Bell