Full Story Larissa Waters on how the environment deal was done
Dec 2, 2025
Larissa Waters, the new leader of the Australian Greens and an environmental lawyer, shares her journey following the dramatic election loss of her predecessor. She discusses the recent deal with Labor for new environmental laws, highlighting the compromises made to secure these reforms. Waters emphasizes the importance of accountability in governance and the need for ambitious climate action. She also touches on the party's future priorities, including housing reform and the rise of One Nation, showcasing her pragmatic yet principled approach to political negotiation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unexpected Leadership Transition
- Larissa Waters described stepping into leadership after the shock loss of Adam Bandt and other colleagues as an unexpected, grief-filled moment.
- She said adjusting to that new situation was the hardest part of her first six months.
EPBC Reform Feels Like Progress
- Waters framed the EPBC reform as a long-term goal she entered politics to fix and said the new laws are much better than before.
- She emphasised the deal stopped faster, cheaper approvals and plugged the forests protection gap.
Sealing The Deal At The Last Minute
- Waters recounted intense last-minute negotiations and face time with the government to secure concessions on the environment laws.
- She credited Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's work and said they 'shook on it' when the deal was sealed.