The Australian Greens have taken significant strides to revive stalled discussions with the government on environmental policy, dropping their demand for a "climate trigger" to be included in the Nature Positive legislation. This surprising concession signals the party’s willingness to support the legislation solely based on the offer of implementing a nationwide ban on native forest logging.
The Nature Positive framework has been subject to intense negotiations, and the Greens have previously held firm on both climate triggers and logging bans as conditions for their support. These triggers would require federal assessment of new development projects considered to carry high climate impact. The recent shift from the party is partly fueled by disappointing results from recent local elections, prompting the Greens to modify their proposals in hopes of breathing new life to these stalled talks.
Sarah Hanson-Young, the leader of the Greens in the Senate, criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for allegedly yielding to the pressures of the resource industry by refusing to include the climate trigger. "The PM might not be willing to budge, but the Greens are if it’s in the best interests of our environment," Hanson-Young asserted. This change aligns closely with the party's environmental commitments, emphasizing the interconnectedness of forest management and climate health.
Hanson-Young also stated, "For this reason, we have offered the Albanese government passage of their Nature Positive bills in return for real action to save our native forests and the habitats they support." This reworked strategy highlights the urgency with which the Greens want to address ecological degradation, especially concerning native forests.
The Nature Positive legislation, if passed, proposes the establishment of an environmental protection authority alongside enhanced penalties and enforcement capabilities grounded within the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Such measures would help create stricter guidelines and controls over environmental impacts, particularly those stemming from land clearing and logging activities.
Reflecting on their recent negotiations, it’s significant to note this offers the second major concession the party has made to the government within just under a week. Previously, the Greens had lessened their demands concerning one of two blocked housing bills — the government's Help to Buy legislation. Their earlier insistence on reforms to negative gearing and other tax incentives was narrowed down to more targeted requests ensuring greater funding for social and affordable housing initiatives.
Before the latest concession, the government had not shown willingness to budge on the Greens’ two formidable demands. Undeterred, the Greens remain assertive about logging bans, with their forests spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, commenting on the detrimental effects of logging practices on local ecologies, stating these practices have "allowed loggers to trash nature and wipe out habitats of threatened species for far too long."
With Prime Minister Albanese focused on securing electoral support not only for upcoming elections but also maintaining balance across party lines, especially within Western Australia where logging bans have already been pronounced, the Greens hope this concession will catalyze movement on their environmental agenda.
Highlighting the need for decisive policy changes, Hanson-Young pointed out, "Closing the legal loopholes allowing unchecked native forest logging and land clearing will significantly affect the protection of our most vulnerable habitats, particularly across Tasmania, NSW, and northern Australia, where deforestation rates have become alarming." Reflecting on the urgency of their cause, she noted, "If he does, we can pass these laws this fortnight. Without closing these logging loopholes, the bills as drafted are useless for the environment and will contribute to accelerated environmental destruction."
While the Coalition and several crossbench members continue opposing these moves, the Greens' support is pivotal for the bills’ survival. This positioning of the Greens is not only strategic but also indicative of their resolve to find common ground for environmental legislation against mounting political pressure. Peak business groups involved with the resource sector have voiced strong opposition against the inclusion of climate triggers, fearing it would impose restrictive measures on development. At the Minerals Council of Australia’s annual conference, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek addressed such concerns by acknowledging climate discussions as part of overarching negotiations but emphasized no final commitments had been made.
Despite the Greens’ concessions, the road to passing such important legislation remains fraught with hurdles. Resistance from established business groups and political factions exemplifies the complex nature of balancing environmental priorities against economic interests. Yet, the Greens are steadfast, aiming to transform negotiations from mere discussions to impactful legislation capable of addressing Australia’s pressing environmental challenges and responding to public concern about climate and biodiversity loss.
