Overview
- Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed the bill will exclude a climate trigger and instead require major projects to disclose expected emissions and outline a path to net zero by 2050.
- Opposition leader Sussan Ley labeled the draft a red light for jobs and a handbrake on investment, citing concerns over an 'unacceptable impacts' test, tougher penalties and who makes final approval decisions.
- The Greens condemned the emissions requirement as toothless and signaled they will seek stronger climate and forest protections, with a Senate inquiry likely to be pursued.
- The government plans to introduce the legislation in the coming fortnight, featuring a new national watchdog and higher fines, but its goal of passage before Christmas is now in doubt.
- Watt said he is open to amendments and warned delays could slow housing and energy projects and risk momentum on critical minerals projects linked to a new US$13 billion deal with the United States.