AM Deal open for environmental laws
Nov 23, 2025
Adam Langenberg, a political reporter, discusses the urgent negotiations for Australia's environmental laws. Sarah Hanson-Young, a Greens senator, shares her party's concerns over the government's limited concessions on native forest protection. Graham Samuel, a former reviewer of environmental laws, warns that weakening penalties can undermine enforcement. With the government looking for support from both the Greens and the Coalition, tensions rise around proposed amendments that could lower penalties and limit oversight, which are hot topics in these crucial negotiations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Government Willing To Bargain To Pass Laws
- The government is open to negotiating environmental laws with either the Greens or the Coalition to secure passage before Parliament breaks.
- Murray Watt is offering targeted concessions but insists the government will not 'give away everything' in the bill.
Greens' Conditional Response To Concession
- Sarah Hanson-Young welcomed a concession on native forest logging but said it still won't secure Greens' support.
- She warned the bill could fast-track coal and gas projects and refused to be rushed into a weak deal.
Tension Over Penalties And EPA Powers
- The Coalition seeks amendments that would lower penalties and weaken the new EPA's powers, challenging elements of the reform.
- Graham Samuel and Labor sources resist diluting enforcement and climate reporting, arguing strong penalties deter non-compliance.