Labor looks like it will not proceed with its proposed “nature positive” environmental laws.

The planned changes have been shelved ahead of the next federal election, with the government citing insufficient parliamentary support. 

The decision follows strong opposition from West Australian Premier Roger Cook and key figures within the mining industry.

Labor had planned to introduce legislation establishing a federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce environmental laws, issue stop-work notices, and oversee compliance with development approvals. 

But Albanese has now conceded there was no viable path forward for the legislation. 

“So at this stage, I can say that we will not be proceeding with it this term,” he said. 

The move has drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young accused the government of capitulating to industry interests.

“It is extremely disappointing that rather than doing the right thing by nature, standing up for our great forests, protecting our koalas, the prime minister has again caved to the vested interests of the WA mining industry,” she said.

The reforms were a central promise in Labor’s 2022 election platform, initially enjoying support from both the Business Council of Australia and environmental groups. 

They were informed by the 2020 Samuel Review (PDF), which warned that without urgent legal reforms, Australia’s biodiversity would face severe decline.

CareerSpot This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.