PM Touts Environmental Record, Promises EPBC Act Reform in Second Term
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his government's environmental credentials while confirming plans for substantial reform of Australia's key environmental protection legislation in a potential second term.
Speaking to reporters in Sydney, Albanese highlighted his administration's achievements in environmental protection and climate action since taking office.
"Since coming to government, we have protected an extra 100 million hectares of land and ocean in this country," Albanese stated, adding that his government had also "added more than a million tonnes of recycling capacity" and approved "enough renewable energy to power every single home in Australia."
The Prime Minister confirmed his intention to reform the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, describing the Howard-era legislation as "not fit for purpose" while emphasizing the need for proper consultation with both industry and environmental stakeholders.
Albanese indicated reform efforts would focus on creating a system that serves both environmental sustainability and business interests, revealing he has already conducted discussions with the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy and various environmental groups.
"We know that it is in the interests of both the environment and sustainability, but also of industry, to be a proper reform of an Act that is not fit for purpose," he said, signaling the balanced approach his government intends to take.
The Prime Minister was careful to note that specific project approvals must follow proper environmental assessment processes under current law, warning that pre-emptive statements about individual projects could lead to legal challenges and delays.
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