Biodiversity

Le argued that biodiversity protection is an economic issue linked to cost-of-living pressures and public health. Le highlighted the role of green spaces in reducing healthcare costs and improving wellbeing in Western Sydney. Le called for the Commonwealth government to invest more in preserving natural environments as a means of ensuring economic stability.

Payne agreed with the need for environmental action and criticised the Opposition's nuclear power policy as a distraction. Payne stated that the government is on track to meet climate targets and has made significant investments in renewable energy. Payne warned that a Coalition government would reverse environmental progress and urged voters to support Labor to continue these efforts.

Daniel criticised the government for failing to deliver substantive environmental reform and for shelving nature-positive laws. Daniel argued that national environmental standards should have been legislated immediately, as recommended by the Samuel review. Daniel called for the abolition of regional forest agreements to stop industrial logging and protect native wildlife habitats.

Gosling highlighted government funding for restoring urban waterways in the Northern Territory through the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. Gosling emphasised the link between climate action, renewable energy investment, and biodiversity protection. Gosling defended the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct as a key part of the transition to a net-zero economy.

Spender acknowledged some progress in nature protection but argued that much more action is needed. Spender outlined five priorities: ending native logging, fixing environmental laws, accounting for climate pollution, establishing an independent environmental authority, and increasing investment. Spender noted that federal spending on biodiversity remains significantly below the OECD average.

Khalil defended the government's record on protecting land, oceans, and wildlife, citing significant expansions in marine parks and Indigenous Protected Areas. Khalil attributed the failure to pass the Environmental Protection Agency to joint obstruction by the Coalition and the Greens. Khalil argued that the government has demonstrated commitment to environmental protection through substantial funding and policy initiatives.

Steggall criticised the politicisation of environment policy and the failure to pass necessary laws. Steggall called for an immediate end to native forest logging and the cessation of new fossil fuel project approvals. Steggall highlighted community concerns regarding water quality and fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, urging the government to use the water trigger in legislation.

Lawrence criticised the Greens and the Coalition for blocking environmental reforms, including the carbon pollution reduction scheme and the EPA. Lawrence highlighted Labor's track record on saving the Great Barrier Reef, rescuing the Murray-Darling Basin, and funding threatened species. Lawrence urged voters to support Labor in both the House and Senate to ensure environmental reforms are passed.

Gee emphasised the importance of valuing and protecting the environment, drawing on personal experience with native flora. Gee highlighted local conservation efforts, including the Gee Tree Challenge and work by Secret Creek Sanctuary and Little River Landcare. Gee praised community organisations for their role in restoring natural environments and protecting endangered species.