What are the key changes in Australia's new nature laws?

The reforms include establishing an independent environment regulator, stronger forest protections, and stricter land clearing rules, with limits on fast-tracking coal and gas projects.

Did the Greens party approve Australia's new nature laws?

Yes, the Greens party struck a deal with the Labor government, enabling the passage of the new nature laws, though they expressed disappointment over the lack of a climate trigger.

Will new coal and gas projects be stopped by Australia's new nature laws?

New coal and gas projects face new limits and must report carbon emissions, but a specific 'climate trigger' to stop them based on emissions was not included in the final law.

Home / Environment / Australia's Broken Nature Laws Finally Get Major Overhaul

Australia's Broken Nature Laws Finally Get Major Overhaul

27 Nov

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Summary

New laws establish Australia's first independent environment regulator.
Stricter land clearing rules and forest protections are now in place.
Coal and gas projects face new limits on fast-tracking approvals.

Australia's Broken Nature Laws Finally Get Major Overhaul

Australia's decades-old nature laws are undergoing a substantial overhaul, marked by the establishment of the nation's first independent environment regulator. This significant reform package, secured through a last-minute agreement between the Labor government and the Greens party, introduces enhanced protections for native forests and more stringent regulations on land clearing.

The updated legislation aims to balance environmental stewardship with economic development, promising to speed up major projects related to housing, renewable energy, and critical minerals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the necessity of these reforms, stating that the existing laws were "broken" and required urgent attention for both environmental and economic reasons.