Full Story Can Labor finally get a deal for the environment?
Oct 28, 2025
Dan Jervis-Bardy, a political reporter for The Guardian focusing on federal politics and environmental policy, dives into the urgent need to reform Australia’s broken environmental laws. He highlights the crucial negotiations between the government and parties like the Coalition and the Greens. Discussing the proposed EPBC Act changes, Dan reveals concerns about ministerial powers, climate triggers, and potential nature protection rollbacks. He also assesses political pressures on Labor and past failed negotiations, leaving listeners with insights into the complexity of Australian environmental politics.
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Broken Laws Need Balanced Reform
- Australia's federal environment laws are widely agreed to be broken and failing both nature and business.
- The reform aims to set clear environmental standards while providing regulatory certainty for proponents.
EPA With Ministerial Oversight
- The government will create an independent EPA but keep ministerial decision powers for major projects.
- Smaller decisions will shift from the department to the EPA to increase efficiency and accountability.
National Interest Exemption Risk
- The bill includes a 'national interest' exemption allowing ministers to override environment standards.
- Conservationists worry a future minister could deem coal or gas projects in the national interest and bypass protections.