Environment & Water

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript.

• Waste Management and Recycling: Plastic Packaging

  Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Steph Hodgins-May Greens

  The senator asked why the government had not mandated a national packaging scheme to address plastic waste, despite industry and environmental groups calling for it.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Online Safety

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Alicia Payne ALP

  The member asked how the government was responding to calls for a safer online environment for children and what obstacles remained.

  Answered by Anika Wells

• Murray-Darling Basin

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · David Farley One Nation

  The member asked if the omission of socioeconomic impacts from the Basin Plan review was done on the Minister's instruction or with the government's approval.

  Answered by Julie Collins

• Tasmania: Salmon Farming Industry

  Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Vanessa Bleyer Greens

  The member asked if the government would immediately require a decrease in stocking levels at Macquarie Harbour following the announcement. She later asked if the government would end industrial-scale fish farming to pro...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• SunRice: Employment

  House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026 · Barnaby Joyce One Nation

  The member asked the Leader of the House, representing the Minister for Environment and Water, to promise that the government would reverse its decision on environmental flows to restore jobs for the affected workers.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Woodside Energy

  Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Peter Whish-Wilson Greens

  The member asked if the minister could confirm receiving over 70,000 submissions opposing the project and what he would say to Australians concerned about marine life.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment, Gas Industry

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Allegra Spender Ind

  The member asked when the government would ensure companies set aside funds to fully cover the cleanup of their oil and gas projects.

  Answered by Madeleine King

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Renee Coffey ALP

  The member asked what the government was doing to safeguard the environment and improve the efficiency of approvals, and what had stood in the way.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Agriculture Industry

  Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Pauline Hanson One Nation

  The member asked why the government imposed new regulations on farmers but not on wind turbines in rainforests. She further asked when the minister would acknowledge double standards in the government's approach to agric...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment, Heritage Listing

  House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · Bob Katter KAP

  The member asked whether the government would continue to prioritise environmental agendas over the interests of landowners and those who created the Labor Party, specifically regarding heritage listings under the EPBC A...

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Water

  House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · David Farley One Nation

  The member asked the government to request an urgent assessment of whether 2026 environmental water objectives had been met and, if so, to return surplus water to the temporary market for farmers to plant crops.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Gas Industry

  Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Larissa Waters Greens

  The member asked if the minister would commit to properly assessing the climate impacts of the Browse gas project on the Great Barrier Reef, citing evidence that emissions would contribute to coral bleaching. She questio...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Avian Influenza

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

  The member asked what rapid support would be provided to primary producers, tourism operators, and environmental groups affected by bird flu and algal blooms.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese; Julie Collins

• Water

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · David Farley One Nation

  The member asked if Australia's irrigated water capacity is sufficient to secure food supply during the next prolonged drought and if water allocations have been negotiated for food production.

  Answered by Kristy McBain; Tony Burke

• Defence: Water

  House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · David Farley One Nation

  The member asked if the Department of Defence had provided input into water reviews and food security strategies, and if the minister considered water security a core defence capability.

  Answered by Richard Marles

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Helen Haines Ind

  The member asked when the remaining national environmental standards on community engagement would be released for public consultation.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Housing

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 May 2026 · Madonna Jarrett ALP

  The member asked how the government is using environmental approval reforms to increase housing supply and why this action is necessary.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Environmental Legislation

  Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Lisa Darmanin ALP

  The senator asked how the government was supporting the recent environmental law changes. Supplementary questions asked for an update on the progress of the housing strike team and the level of support for the law change...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Water

  Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Ross Cadell Nationals

  The senator asked why the government would not support a proper inquiry into how taxpayer money and environmental water were being used, given that the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder rarely used all its allocate...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment

  Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · David Pocock Ind

  The senator asked if the government could meet its environmental commitments without substantially increasing funding for nature, including the Saving Native Species program. He highlighted that only 0.1 per cent of the ...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Artificial Intelligence

  Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · David Pocock Ind

  The senator asked how the voluntary expectations for data centres would be enforced, given that legislation was required for other tech regulations. He asked how the government would ensure big tech companies complied wi...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Housing

  Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Charlotte Walker ALP

  The senator asked for an update on the progress of the housing strike team, including how many new homes had been approved. She also asked how the government was ensuring environmental protection while approving homes an...

  Answered by Murray Watt; Penny Wong

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Lisa Darmanin ALP

  The member asked for an update on the announcements made following National Cabinet and what the government was doing to prepare for a changing geopolitical environment.

  Answered by Katy Gallagher

• Waste Management and Recycling

  Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Paul Scarr Liberal

  The member asked why the government had excluded waste collection services from the priority fuel list, despite warnings that failure to collect rubbish could lead to catastrophic public health outcomes. He sought immedi...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Murray-Darling Basin

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP

  The member asked how the government was tracking on the delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan compared to other approaches.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Environmental Legislation

  House of Representatives · Thursday 12 February 2026 · Nicolette Boele Ind

  The member asked for assurance that states would not receive increased powers until critical standards were in place.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Water Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Bob Katter KAP

  The member asked if the Treasurer would create a water authority and call tenders for the Hughenden irrigation scheme.

  Answered by Jim Chalmers

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Alice Jordan-Baird ALP

  The member asked how the government was delivering stronger environmental laws that benefit the economy and protect nature, and what obstacles had been encountered in the reform process.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Susan Templeman ALP

  The member asked how the government's EPBC reforms had been received.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

  Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Peter Whish-Wilson Greens

  The member asked if the minister was ashamed of the job cuts at the CSIRO, which he described as the largest in the organisation's history. He specifically noted that the Environment Research Unit was facing a 20 per cen...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Environment

  Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Dorinda Cox ALP

  The member asked the minister to outline how the government's reforms would enhance environmental conditions and safeguard them for coming generations. She followed up by asking how the reforms would address housing supp...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• United Nations Climate Change Conference

  Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025 · Larissa Waters Greens

  The member asked whether the government was genuinely committed to hosting the climate conference or if mining industry interests were influencing the bid, and whether the proposed fast-tracking of fossil fuel projects h...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

  House of Representatives · Thursday 6 November 2025 · Angie Bell LNP

  The member asked the Minister for Resources whether she would listen to Western Australian Premier Roger Cook regarding the EPBC bills and critical minerals, or to her left-wing backbench.

  Answered by Madeleine King

• Environment

  Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025 · Carol Brown ALP

  The member asked the minister to outline how the environmental law reforms would protect the environment and support climate goals, and to detail the broad support for the bill.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment

  Senate · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Matt O'Sullivan Liberal

  The member asked whether the government's environmental reform proposals had failed Western Australian business, given the Premier's rejection of the current draft.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Helen Haines Ind

  The member asked whether the minister would pledge to adhere to high-quality community consultation norms under the new EPBC Act.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Kate Chaney Ind

  The member asked whether the government would consider amendments to strengthen safeguards around the offsets fund.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Climate Change

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Larissa Waters Greens

  The senator asked why the minister refused to exclude expediting coal and gas developments under new environmental laws. She cited concerns that reforms undermined climate progress and denied the government power to limi...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• First Nations Australians: Environment

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

  The senator asked if the minister would commit to introducing a standalone First Nations engagement standard before EPBC reforms were legislated. She raised concerns about violations of free, prior and informed consent a...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Labor Government

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Sarah Hanson-Young Greens

  The senator asked whether the minister was prepared to compromise with climate-denying Coalition members on environmental reforms, implying this reflected poorly on Labor's principles. She followed up by asking if the la...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Forestry Industry

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Nick McKim Greens

  The senator asked why the government ignored the recommendation to scrap the RFA loophole and why it had not ended native forest logging. He followed up by asking why the government was not closing the continuous use exe...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Elizabeth Watson-Brown Greens

  The member asked why the government placed the interests of big corporations ahead of people and nature in its proposed EPBC changes, citing criticism from environmental NGOs.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Steph Hodgins-May Greens

  The senator asked if the government had received legal advice regarding higher corruption risks under the new laws, given the lack of an independent EPA. She followed up by asking if the government would close loopholes ...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Richard Colbeck Liberal

  The senator asked why the government refused to release data on land clearing for renewable projects, suggesting it exposed environmental hypocrisy. He followed up by asking if the government was reckless or hiding the n...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment: Shark Nets

  Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Mehreen Faruqi Greens

  The member asked for the minister's response to the death of a humpback whale in a shark net. She questioned the safety and efficacy of shark nets and drum lines.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Mining Industry

  Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Susan McDonald Nationals

  The member asked whether current mining approvals would be forced to comply with new conditions under the reforms. She sought a guarantee that no retrospective changes would be applied to existing projects.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Renewable Energy

  House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Dan Tehan Liberal

  The member asked the Minister to commit to tabling a map detailing areas of biodiversity and agricultural land at risk from the renewable energy rollout.

  Answered by Chris Bowen

• Biosecurity

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Bob Katter KAP

  The member asked the Prime Minister to allow rugby league players licensed access to national parks to hunt feral pigs and other pests to protect fauna.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese; Julie Collins

• Renewable Energy

  Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Matthew Canavan LNP

  The member asked what evidence the government had that the target was achievable without environmental devastation or ignoring community opposition.

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• South Australia: Marine Environment

  Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Andrew McLachlan DPRES

  The member asked when the South Australian government first officially raised the algal bloom issue with the federal government. He followed up by asking when the Prime Minister would provide the level of support request...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• South Australia: Marine Environment

  House of Representatives · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Angie Bell LNP

  The member asked why the government has funded inner-city cycleways but provided less support for South Australia's response to the algal bloom, asking who should pay for the cost of inaction.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Environment

  Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Sarah Hanson-Young Greens

  The senator asked if the government would work with the Greens to protect native forests and deliver modern environmental law reform. She also asked who was being consulted on the proposed coordinator-general role and wh...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environmental Conservation

  Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Dorinda Cox ALP

  The senator asked for an update on the progress and timing of environmental law reforms and why these reforms are important for business and the environment.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Waste Management and Recycling

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Zali Steggall Ind

  The member asked the Environment Minister if the government would update the National Plastics Plan as recommended by the Drowning in Waste report, given the lack of consensus on a global treaty.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Defence

  Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Jessica Collins Liberal

  The senator asked why the government abandoned its 2022 commitment to raise defence spending targets given the deteriorating strategic environment. She also questioned why the Prime Minister had not attended military exe...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• South Australia: Marine Environment

  Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Sarah Hanson-Young Greens

  The senator asked why the government had not declared the algal bloom a national disaster and whether fossil fuel companies like Santos and Woodside would be held liable for the damage.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environmental Conservation

  Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Peter Whish-Wilson Greens

  The member questioned whether the absence of federal prohibitions on single-use plastics, mandatory waste-reduction goals, or producer responsibility legislation damaged Australia's international standing. He urged the m...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Renewable Energy

  Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP

  The member asked how timely approvals from the minister's department support the goal of net zero by 2050. She also asked about the benefits of renewable rollout for Western Australia and the importance of policy certain...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment: Great Southern Reef

  House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

  The member asked whether the government would commit to properly funding monitoring of the Great Southern Reef, citing the algal bloom in South Australia.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• North West Shelf Project

  Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Larissa Waters Greens

  The senator asked the minister to cancel the conditional approval for Woodside's gas plant extension, citing its carbon emissions. She followed up by linking the approval to climate-driven marine heatwaves and toxic alga...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Fossil Fuel Industry

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Nicolette Boele Ind

  The member asked when the government would stop approving fossil fuel projects and implement promised environmental reforms, citing the recent gas project approval.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• South Australia: Marine Environment

  Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Ross Cadell Nationals

  The senator asked when emergency support would be provided to South Australian communities and businesses affected by the algal bloom. He followed up by asking how much of the $14 million federal package would go to regi...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Environment

  Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Jonathon Duniam Liberal

  The member asked when the government decided to use Tasmanian jobs as leverage in internal party negotiations regarding environmental laws. He referenced reports of heated caucus meetings and promises to reinstate the EP...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Environment

  Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Sarah Hanson-Young Greens

  The member asked if the government had compromised environmental protections to benefit the salmon industry. She questioned whether the laws would be weaker than those in place at the start of the term.

  Answered by Jenny McAllister

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Elizabeth Watson-Brown Greens

  The member asked if the environment was better protected under Scott Morrison and why the government had allegedly sold out on climate and environment issues.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Sussan Ley Liberal

  The member asked if the Minister retained the power to stop salmon farming at Macquarie Harbour after the next election, given recent legislative amendments to the EPBC Act.

  Answered by Tanya Plibersek

• Environmental Legislation

  Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Nick McKim Greens

  The member asked why the Prime Minister was working with the opposition to weaken environmental protection laws for multinational corporations during an environmental crisis.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Adam Bandt Greens

  The member asked why the government was weakening climate and environment laws and approving coal and gas projects, citing broken promises and threats to species like the maugean skate.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• North West Shelf Project

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Melissa Price Liberal

  The member asked whether the Minister would make a decision on the North West Shelf gas expansion prior to the upcoming election.

  Answered by Tanya Plibersek

• Coalmining Industry

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Michelle Landry Nationals

  The member asked the Minister to confirm how many coal mining approvals she had granted since taking office.

  Answered by Tanya Plibersek

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Zali Steggall Ind

  The member asked if the government accepted that trust in its environmental commitments was broken, citing weakened protections and risks to the maugean skate.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Tasmania: Bushfires

  Senate · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Nick McKim Greens

  The senator asked why more effort was not made to extinguish the fires early and what the government was doing to protect these globally significant ecosystems.

  Answered by Jenny McAllister

• Murujuga Cultural Landscape

  Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Dorinda Cox Greens

  The member asked why the government was allowing emissions from the Woodside gas plant to accelerate and destroy rock art at Murujuga, despite commitments to net zero and environmental protection.

  Answered by Jenny McAllister

• North West Shelf Project

  Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Susan McDonald Nationals

  The senator asked if the Prime Minister would ensure the project is approved promptly to provide certainty to Western Australians, noting the Western Australian government's support. She also questioned government fundin...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• First Nations Australians

  Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Country Liberal Party

  The member asked why practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians were not a priority, noting that the Productivity Commission highlighted a lack of data on clean drinking water access in Indigenous communities.

  Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

• Mining Industry

  Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Ross Cadell Nationals

  The member asked if the Prime Minister would promise to permanently abandon nature positive laws and reverse the decision on the McPhillamys gold mine.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024

  House of Representatives · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Monique Ryan Ind

  The member asked whether removing the environmental protection agency from the bill represented the end of climate wars, citing the Prime Minister's 2022 victory speech.

  Answered by Tanya Plibersek

• Environmental Defenders Office

  Senate · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Jonathon Duniam Liberal

  The senator asked if it was acceptable to use taxpayer money to pay for penalties incurred by the EDO. He followed up by asking if the government would cease funding the organisation given its financial peril and alleged...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Sussan Ley Liberal

  The member asked whether the Minister still backed establishing a federal environmental protection agency.

  Answered by Tanya Plibersek

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Thursday 6 February 2025 · David Littleproud Nationals

  The member asked whether the Minister would rule out reintroducing the federal environmental protection bill in the future.

  Answered by Tanya Plibersek

• Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  House of Representatives · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Tom French (Moore) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate concerned reforms to Australia's carbon credit scheme, including strengthening integrity oversight, improving First Nations consent processes, and adjusting vehicle efficiency standards. Labor members supporte...

• Waste Management and Recycling: Plastic Packaging

  Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens

  Senator Hodgins-May moved a motion to take note of the Minister for the Environment and Water's answer regarding plastic packaging reform. She argued that the government had abandoned its commitment to mandatory regulati...

• Water

  Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

  The Senate debated a motion calling for federal intervention to prevent the privatisation of Australian water supplies, specifically targeting reports of Victorian Labor's Project Nerva. Greens and crossbench members arg...

• Environment and Other Legislation Amendment (Fast Tracking Coal, Gas and Oil Projects) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  The debate focused on the second reading of a bill designed to reverse restrictions on fossil fuel development and streamline environmental approvals. The speaker argued that current laws hinder energy security and econo...

• Environment and Other Legislation Amendment (Fast Tracking Coal, Gas and Oil Projects) Bill 2026; First Reading

  Senate · Monday 14 September 2026

• Murray-Darling Basin

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · David Farley (Farrer) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

  The debate centred on a motion to pause water entitlement purchases and reallocate environmental water for agriculture during the 2026-27 season. Proponents argued that exceptional inflows allowed for a temporary, risk-f...

• Tasmania: Salmon Farming Industry

  Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Vanessa Bleyer (Tasmania) (Australian Greens) Greens

  Senators debated the government's answer regarding the treatment of fish and environmental impact of salmon farming in Tasmania. The Australian Greens argued that industrial-scale farming in Macquarie Harbour threatens t...

• AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026; Second Reading

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Andrew Gee (Calare) (Independent) Ind

  The debate concerned the introduction of legislation to mandate human oversight of advanced artificial intelligence and impose a moratorium on new data centre construction. Andrew Gee argued that statutory safeguards wer...

• Avian Influenza

  Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind

  Senator David Pocock moved a motion to take note of the Minister for the Environment and Water's answer regarding H5 bird flu preparedness. Pocock criticised the government for failing to fund its biodiversity promises, ...

• Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Julian Leeser (Berowra) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  The debate concerned the extension of key counter-terrorism powers, including control orders and preventive detention, from December 2026 to December 2029. The Coalition supported the bill but criticised the government f...

• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

  Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Penny Allman-Payne (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

  Senator Penny Allman-Payne moved a motion to take note of the Minister for the Environment and Water's response regarding welfare payments. She criticised the government for relying on financial penalties and private emp...

• Woodside Energy

  Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

  Senator Whish-Wilson moved a take note debate regarding the Minister for the Environment and Water's response to questions about the Browse project. The senator argued that the minister was bound to use outdated environm...

• Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

  The Senate debated a private senator's bill to establish a mandatory national extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging. The Australian Greens supported the legislation, arguing that voluntary targets had fai...

• Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Gabriel Ng (Menzies) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate centred on the Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which established a mandatory code of conduct to address bargaining power imbalances between grape growers and winemakers. All speakers supported ...

• Data Centres

  Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Nick McKim (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

  The debate centred on the Albanese government's approach to regulating hyperscale data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The Australian Greens argued that the government was failing to protect environme...

• Agriculture Industry

  Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

  Senator Pauline Hanson moved a motion to take note of the Minister for the Environment and Water's answer regarding changes to native vegetation laws. She argued that the reforms removed longstanding exemptions for land ...

• Albanese Government

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Andrew Willcox (Dawson) (Liberal National Party) LNP

  Andrew Willcox criticised the government's budget for increasing taxes and spending while breaking pre-election promises regarding capital gains tax, negative gearing, and trusts. He argued that these changes, along with...

• Plastic Waste

  House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) (Independent) Ind

  The debate centred on a motion calling for the immediate implementation of a mandatory national Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for plastics under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. Independent members S...

• Nuclear Weapons

  House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · Susan Templeman (Macquarie) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The House debated a motion acknowledging the 80th anniversary of nuclear testing in the Pacific, highlighting the health, environmental, and cultural harms suffered by Pacific Islanders and Australian First Nations commu...

• Gas Industry

  Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

  Senators debated the government's handling of Woodside's proposal to drill gas wells near Scott Reef. The Australian Greens argued that the project poses severe risks to marine ecosystems and contributes significantly to...