Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 25 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on legislation to limit the environment minister's power to reconsider past decisions under the EPBC Act, specifically to provide certainty for the Tasmanian salmon industry. The government argued the bill balanced environmental protection with economic stability for established industries. Opposition and crossbench members opposed the bill, claiming it weakened environmental safeguards, endangered the Maugean skate, and served corporate interests over public promises. The bill passed the House of Representatives after divisions.

   Outcome: The bill passed the House of Representatives after divisions, with the final division resulting in 111 votes in favour and 14 against.

   Read the full summary

2. Tuesday 25 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

3. Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Senate

   Reference to Committee

   The debate concerned a motion by the Australian Greens to refer the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025 to a Senate committee for inquiry. Senator Hanson-Young argued the bill was rushed and undermined environmental protections, while Senator Duniam criticised the government's handling of the Tasmanian salmon industry issue but opposed the referral. The Government, represented by Senator Wong, dismissed the motion as political grandstanding and sought to proceed with other legislation. The motion to suspend standing orders to consider the referral was not passed.

   Outcome: The motion to suspend standing orders to refer the bill to a committee was not passed.

   Read the full summary

4. Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

5. Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025, which sought to limit the Minister for the Environment's power to reconsider past decisions to provide certainty for the salmon farming industry in Macquarie Harbour. Government and Coalition members supported the legislation as a necessary measure to protect jobs and address legal flaws, while Opposition, Greens, and Independent senators opposed it as a rushed political fix that weakened environmental safeguards and endangered the Maugean skate. The debate highlighted deep divisions regarding the balance between economic productivity and environmental protection, with the Coalition moving amendments to strengthen protections and cut funding to the Environmental Defenders Office.

   Read the full summary