Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsideration of Decisions) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether to restrict the ability to reconsider environmental approvals under the EPBC Act. The Coalition argued the bill was necessary to provide regulatory certainty for investors and protect jobs, particularly in the Tasmanian salmon industry, after a decade-old approval was reopened. Labor and the Greens opposed the bill, arguing it undermined environmental safeguards, excluded community oversight, and ignored scientific evidence regarding ecosystem damage. Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell supported the bill to provide certainty for regional workers. The bill was defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with a division result of 30 votes against and 31 votes for.

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