Opened the debate
Hanson-Young argued that the proposed coordinator-general role mirrored a Queensland mechanism used by fossil fuel companies to circumvent basic environmental regulations. Hanson-Young contended that if the government were serious about protecting nature and stopping wildlife extinction, it would not create systems allowing big business to bypass rules. The senator criticised the minister for focusing on political negotiations rather than substantive environmental outcomes. Hanson-Young warned that working with the Coalition, which she described as lacking a united position on climate change, would result in weaker protections. Hanson-Young called for stronger laws to halt deforestation, pollution, and climate damage.