7am The secret ‘jobs for mates’ report Labor won’t release
Oct 31, 2025
Karen Middleton, a seasoned press gallery journalist, sheds light on the turmoil surrounding environmental law reform and a secret report on cronyism in government. She discusses how crossbench and Coalition senators have stalled proposed changes, emphasizing the tension between the need for transparency and political pressures. Middleton also unpacks the complexities of negotiating with both the Coalition and the Greens, while highlighting key examples of cronyism that fuel mistrust. Her insights reveal the challenges Labor faces in living up to its promises of integrity.
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Environment Laws Need A New Balance
- Australia's environmental laws are widely agreed to be broken and need balanced reform between industry approvals and environmental protection.
- Determining the right balance between economic development and preventing serious environmental harm is the central challenge.
Climate Trigger Versus Emissions Reporting
- The Greens want a climate trigger forcing assessment of emissions for every development, which the government rejects due to industry opposition.
- The proposed compromise is reporting on emissions rather than an automatic trigger, reflecting tensions between climate aims and industry concerns.
Politics Shapes Environmental Deals
- The government would prefer a deal with the Coalition politically, but the Greens currently align closer on policy details.
- Political positioning (avoiding giving Greens a win) complicates negotiation outcomes.