Environment

Opened the debate

Watt presented the government's third report card on its environmental agenda, highlighting commitments to protect 30 percent of oceans by 2030 and ratify the high seas biodiversity treaty. Watt detailed investments in Pacific climate resilience, including $100 million for the Pacific Resilience Facility, and efforts to combat plastic pollution through recycling capacity increases. Watt also referenced scientific achievements in Antarctica and the inscription of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. Watt introduced the Environment Protection Reform Bill as a key measure to modernise environmental laws and streamline approvals. Watt emphasised the government's role in maintaining Australia's status as an H5 bird flu-free continent.

Opposition response

Duniam argued that domestic environmental management was more critical than international achievements and criticised the government for delaying EPBC Act reforms for three years. Duniam claimed that previous environmental laws had hindered housing supply and that the government had hidden reform plans behind nondisclosure agreements. Duniam highlighted the failure to update the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act since 1984, describing it as an urgent priority. Duniam supported the introduction of the new reforms but called for thorough scrutiny by the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee. Duniam expressed concern that the government was rushing complex legislation through parliament without adequate debate.