Proposed amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act must be debated thoroughly and the federal government must “put the environment ahead of green preferences” as major coal projects in the Galilee and Surat Basins await approval.
“There is no doubt the Federal Labor Government will want to push a number of legislative changes through during these final weeks of parliament before the September election, but it would be dangerous and irresponsible to use the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as a political tool,” Powell said.
“Any changes to this act require proper consultation with the States and Territories as well as a thorough analysis of the impacts to both the environment and the economy.
"I urge the Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to talk to all environment ministers first before making last minute amendments that could produce adverse outcomes.
“I am very concerned that the unnecessary amendments being pushed through by the Independent Federal Member for New England may in fact go even further in an attempt to secure green preferences.”
Powell said the amendments to the EPBC Act are not in the spirit of the COAG meeting late last year where there was agreement to minimise duplication in environmental approvals processes, while ensuring state governments met the highest environmental standards.
“The Newman Government recognises the importance of these standards and is committed to do what is best for the long term future of the State and I urge the federal government to do the same,” he said.
“Any further duplication, or bureaucratic imposition on industry would signal a cynical Labor more intent on tying government and industry up in unnecessary red tape rather than focussing on matters of environmental significance.
“Any amendments to the EPBC legislation need to be discussed and debated sensibly, not rushed through in an attempt to harm political opponents.
“It’s ironic as we approach the federal election there is this sudden sense of urgency. Yet when it came to releasing something as important as the second report card into reef water quality protection, the Federal government was prepared to sit on its hands and leave it on the shelf.”
