Australia politics Live: Habitat Laws Debate Intensifies as Coalition Proposal Draws Criticism – October 26, 2025
Canberra – Environment Minister Murray Watt has sharply criticised a Coalition proposal too split Australia’s environmental laws, labelling it the “maddest idea” he’s encountered in his five years in parliament. The debate centres on potential reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, with the government currently reviewing the legislation and aiming to introduce revamped laws in 2026.
The Coalition’s suggestion,revealed during parliamentary questioning on October 26,2025,would separate environmental approvals from biodiversity conservation,a move Minister Watt argues would create chaos and undermine environmental protections. The EPBC Act,enacted in 2000,has been subject to ongoing criticism for failing to adequately protect threatened species and ecosystems,prompting calls for meaningful reform from environmental groups and scientists. The current review,led by former Environment Secretary Graeme Samuel,delivered its findings in January 2025,recommending substantial changes to streamline approvals and strengthen environmental standards.
During a heated exchange in Federal Parliament, Watt accused the Coalition of lacking a coherent environmental policy. “They’ve had a decade in government and couldn’t fix the EPBC Act, and now they’re proposing something that would make it even worse,” he stated.Sussan Ley, the Shadow Environment Minister, defended the proposal, arguing it would reduce green tape and accelerate project approvals while maintaining environmental safeguards.
The debate comes as the albanese government faces increasing pressure to deliver on its environmental commitments, including a target to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. Discussions also touched on lobbying clarity, with questions raised regarding the influence of industry groups on environmental policy. Additionally, concerns were voiced regarding the potential impact of artificial intelligence on copyright laws, and the upcoming ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
