Key Takeaways:
- The Australian government has reached a deal with the Greens to overhaul the country’s environmental laws, which have been in a state of stalemate for years.
- The new laws aim to streamline the approval process for major projects, such as housing and renewables, while also increasing protections for threatened species and iconic wildlife.
- The deal includes significant wins for the Greens on land clearing and forestry, as well as a compromise on forestry agreements.
- The Coalition was dealt out of the negotiations, with the government opting to side with the Greens instead.
- The new laws may cause pain for some sectors, including forestry workers, but the government has offered a $300 million support package to mitigate the impact.
Introduction to the Stalemate
The Australian parliament has been in a stalemate for years over changes to the country’s environmental laws. The laws, which determine the approvals of major projects and set protections for threatened species and iconic wildlife, have been widely recognized as "broken" since a landmark review in 2018. Despite this, the laws have remained unchanged, causing delays and uncertainty for businesses and environmental groups alike. The stalemate has been a major issue for the government, with previous attempts to reform the laws being met with resistance from business groups and state governments.
The Fixer: Murray Watt
Murray Watt, the current environment minister, was tasked with breaking the stalemate. Watt has a reputation for being a skilled negotiator and has a good relationship with stakeholders across the political spectrum. He was hand-picked by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to be his "fixer" and has been working tirelessly to reach a deal. Watt’s approach has been to consult widely with stakeholders, including business groups, environmental organizations, and state governments. He has also been open about his intentions and has kept the prime minister well-briefed on developments.
The Negotiations
The negotiations over the environmental laws have been complex and challenging. Watt has held over 100 meetings with stakeholders and has made five trips to Western Australia to consult with Premier Roger Cook. The government has also offered concessions to business groups, including a clearer definition of when powers to block projects can be used. However, the Coalition’s demands have continued to change, and new asks have been added, even after the government offered concessions. The Greens, on the other hand, have been willing to work with the government to reach a deal, and have offered a compromise on forestry agreements.
The Deal
The deal reached between the government and the Greens includes significant wins for the environment. The new laws will increase protections for threatened species and iconic wildlife, and will streamline the approval process for major projects. The deal also includes a compromise on forestry agreements, which will be brought under federal environment laws after 18 months. The government has also offered a $300 million support package for forestry workers who will be affected by the new laws. The deal is a significant victory for the environment, and is expected to have a major impact on the way that major projects are approved and regulated in Australia.
The Reaction
The reaction to the deal has been mixed. The Coalition has been critical of the deal, with Sussan Ley dubbing it a "dirty" agreement. The business community has also been critical, with some groups expressing concerns about the impact of the new laws on their operations. However, environmental groups have welcomed the deal, saying that it is a major step forward for the environment. The government has done the calculus that the deal is worth the potential backlash from business and the Coalition, and is confident that it will be able to sell the deal to the public.
The Implications
The implications of the deal are significant. The new laws will have a major impact on the way that major projects are approved and regulated in Australia. The deal is expected to streamline the approval process, reducing delays and uncertainty for businesses. However, it will also increase protections for threatened species and iconic wildlife, which may cause pain for some sectors. The government has offered a $300 million support package to mitigate the impact, but it is unclear whether this will be enough. The deal is also expected to have a major impact on the renewables transition, with the government committing to reach net zero emissions. The Coalition is seeking to link the environmental reforms to larger concerns over the renewables transition, but the government is confident that it can sell the deal to the public.