Sussan Ley, the former Minister for the Environment, has copped a lot of flak. This has resulted in fierce criticism directed at her opposition to the current government’s proposed environmental reforms. Ley’s criticisms date back to her attempt to reform the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act back in 2021. Those efforts, though, fell short. She decided to use this as an opportunity to publicly attack the Labor government. She scolded them for opposing her plan to remove the requirement for environmental permits at the state and national levels.
Ley described the proposed amendments as an “environment approvals disaster.” She claimed that they would stop progress and impose costly bureaucratic hurdles. Her remarks highlight a growing tension between the opposition and the ruling party as the country prepares for significant legislative changes.
Attempts at Reform
In 2021, then-Environment Minister Sussan Ley tried – and unsuccessfully – to push through reforms that would have sped up environmental approvals, but lacked the support required. She argues that Labour’s rejection of supporting her campaign has undermined work in this space altogether. Ley stated, “It ties bureaucratic tape around every single process. It doesn’t give proponents of projects the confidence they need to be able to go ahead.”
During her short time in office, Ley’s government was on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Greens on progressive redaction of environmental reforms. Yet this giant step toward an overarching national deal never happened, thanks to the late intervention of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who pulled the plug on proceeding. To this end, Ley finds himself in a particularly incendiary environment. New reforms are to be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks.
The Role of Professor Samuel
In a move that surprised many observers, Ley asked Professor Samuel to review Australia’s environmental laws and the regulations that go with them. While advocating for the reforms, Professor Samuel has expressed his dismay over the political environment surrounding the reforms. In particular, he called out opposition leader Peter Dutton for opposing Labor’s improved legislation.
“It is bitterly disappointing because it says to me there are potentially political games being played, or posturing, which we should be putting aside. I have to say, Minister Ley, when she asked me to do the review, she didn’t play the political games.” – Professor Samuel
Professor Samuel was harsh in his criticism of the political maneuvering. He has not seen the actual wording of any new legislation. He’s still keeping the faith, accepting from Senator Murray Watt no less that his review acted as a “blueprint” for future reforms.
Legislative Challenges Ahead
Environment Minister Murray Watt has said he intends to bring the proposed reforms before Parliament as soon as next week. These reforms are designed to cut red tape and approvals timelines for major development projects. Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watt recently warned of likely delays in passing these reforms. He fears these delays could kill major new housing developments and threaten a key $8.5 billion agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump on key minerals.
In order to pass the legislation, the government needs support from either the Coalition or the Greens. Greens leader Larissa Waters alerted a lot of people to deeply concerning issues. She argues that the potential changes appear to have been significantly influenced by big companies such as Woodside, Chevron and Alcoa.
Minister Murray Watt is clearly intent on pushing these reforms through and has said he wants to see these passed by Christmas. He dismissed any concern from the opposition and the Greens as “usual argy-bargy.” His first order of business is to move ahead with the rule changes.
