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The lead author of a crucial environmental study has condemned the Coalition and Greens for their resistance to progressive nature conservation legislation
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Environment Minister Murray Watt has publicly accused Sussan Ley of obstructing the revised EPBC legislation as a strategy to “consolidate her leadership” amid the Coalition’s internal conflicts over net zero commitments and climate policy debates.
Speaking at Parliament House earlier today, Watt conveyed his openness to engage in talks with either the Greens or the Coalition but firmly rejected Ley’s suggestion to split the environmental bill into separate components for individual voting.
He contended that Ley’s approach is motivated by a desire to safeguard her leadership ahead of difficult net zero negotiations within her party. “This week, Sussan Ley appears to be placing her political ambitions above environmental advancement and economic wellbeing,” Watt remarked.
“The legislation must remain intact. Environmental safeguards and business interests need to be addressed concurrently, and it is critical that we proceed without unnecessary delays.”
Watt highlighted that comprehensive consultations have already been conducted, with both conservation groups and industry representatives urging swift government action on these reforms.
“To be clear: I have engaged equally with the Coalition and the Greens, including discussions as recent as yesterday. Our objective is to enact laws that support both ecological sustainability and economic growth. The decision now rests with the Coalition and the Greens-will they choose to collaborate on a balanced framework or retreat into partisan stances that favor only one agenda?”
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