Opened the debate
Waters argued that both major parties failed to strengthen environmental laws due to influence from mining and logging industries. Waters stated that the Prime Minister cancelled a proposed reform after consulting with the Western Australian Premier, prioritising political considerations over nature protection. Waters claimed the government was instead pursuing a deal with the opposition to weaken laws, specifically to allow the Tasmanian salmon industry to continue operating despite threats to the maugean skate. Waters argued that the proposed legislation would prevent ministers from acting on new scientific information, effectively creating a loophole for industries to bypass environmental protections. Waters concluded that this approach demonstrated corporate dominance over democratic processes and pledged to push for stronger nature protection in future governments.