Overview
- The Coalition and the Greens combined to refer the 1,400–1,500 page bill to a five‑month Senate inquiry reporting in late March 2026, putting Labor’s goal of passage before Christmas at risk.
- Environment Minister Murray Watt says the new ‘national interest’ power would be used rarely for defence, security or emergencies and not to fast‑track coal and gas, while retaining ministerial sign‑off on approvals.
- The package creates national environmental standards, a National Environment Protection Agency, an ‘unacceptable impact’ test, mandatory disclosure of scope 1 and 2 emissions, tougher penalties of up to $825 million and streamlined state‑accredited assessments.
- Internal and external critics including Labor’s Ed Husic and former Treasury secretary Ken Henry warn the exemption is too broad and urge tighter limits, while conservation groups decry loopholes such as native forest logging and land‑clearing exemptions.
- Review author Graeme Samuel endorsed the bill as faithful to his recommendations, as business groups sought changes on the regulator’s accountability and emissions reporting, and the government touted projected economic gains of up to $7 billion and shorter approval times.