Labor Aims to Pass Nature Laws Amid Coalition and Greens Standoff

The Australian government is intensifying efforts to pass significant environmental legislation this week, despite ongoing negotiations with both the Greens and Coalition. The Labor Party asserts it can secure a deal to update the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act by Thursday, aiming to conclude the parliamentary year with these reforms.

As the final sitting week of federal parliament progresses, discussions are at a critical juncture. Labor’s Environment Minister, Murray Watt, has stated a commitment to advance the legislation, even without a concrete agreement with the opposition parties. The Coalition remains opposed to the proposed changes, while the Greens have shown some willingness to negotiate but are demanding further concessions.

Watt highlighted the urgency of passing these reforms, emphasizing their potential to streamline approvals for housing construction, critical minerals sites, and green energy projects. “We will pass these reforms this week with whichever of the Coalition and the Greens is willing to work with us to deliver that balanced package,” he said during a press conference in Brisbane on Sunday.

Negotiations are ongoing, and sources from both the Greens and Labor indicate a possible agreement could be reached this week. However, Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens’ spokesperson for the environment, has expressed that her party seeks stricter limitations on fossil fuel developments. She remarked, “I think it’s crazy in 2025, you’re talking about a new set of environment laws and it doesn’t even consider the climate pollution that a coal or gas mine makes?”

While the government seeks to expedite the legislative process, a Senate committee is currently reviewing the extensive 1,500 pages of proposed environmental law reform, with a report due in March 2026. Despite the committee’s ongoing work, Labor is pressuring for a swift passage of the bill, citing its importance for advancing key initiatives.

The Coalition has criticized the proposed legislation as “deficient,” with their finance spokesperson, James Paterson, asserting that they cannot support the current version. He emphasized that the opposition would adhere to its earlier demands and challenged the government to proceed with the Greens, warning of the political consequences.

In a bid to find common ground, Watt has offered amendments to address the Coalition’s concerns regarding the National Environmental Protection Agency’s authority. For the Greens, Labor has proposed restrictions on the use of the “national interest” test for approving fossil fuel projects. Despite these concessions, Hanson-Young has called for more robust measures, arguing that a three-year phase-in for compliance with national environmental standards for native forestry projects is insufficient.

Corporate groups, including the Business Council of Australia and the Minerals Council, have voiced support for the proposed changes, urging the Coalition to collaborate on the reforms. Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council, underscored the necessity of a “sensible compromise” to accelerate investment, job creation, and regional benefits.

As the deadline approaches, the dynamics between the Labor Party, Greens, and Coalition will be pivotal in shaping Australia’s environmental policy landscape for years to come. The outcome of these negotiations may set a precedent for future environmental law reforms and reflect the broader political climate as the government seeks to balance economic development with ecological sustainability.