“There is no deviation, whether significant or minor, from the review’s recommendations. That’s why I feel confident after five arduous years,” a spokesperson stated.

Originally enacted in 1999 during the Howard administration, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act was designed to safeguard threatened species and ecosystems of national importance. However, critics argue that it has fallen short in effectively curbing environmental degradation.

“We have a unique opportunity here,” remarked Watt. “This is a once-in-a-generation chance to implement reforms that benefit both the environment and businesses, just as Professor Samuel recommended half a decade ago.”

Watt urged, “To the Greens and the Coalition, I implore you—set aside political maneuvering and advance this legislation. This is our best chance to secure robust environmental protection for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who spearheaded the previous review process in her capacity as environment minister in 2020, criticized the new reforms, labeling them an “environment approvals disaster.”

Political battle looms

Opposition leader Sussan Ley, who led the previous review process as then-environment minister in 2020, has called the reforms an “environment approvals disaster”.

Before the NPC, Watt said: “No-one is going to get 100 per cent of what they want. If everyone gets 100 per cent of what they want, we will get nothing.”

‘Urgent for decades’

“This has been urgent for decades, frankly, for two and a half decades,” he said.