Prime Minister Commends 'Yes-Alition' as Environmental Reforms Achieve Legislative Approval Ahead of Parliamentary Recess

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has happily returned for an extra sitting day to pass Labor’s environmental law reforms before wrapping up the parliamentary year.

Looking relaxed as he strolled into parliament on foot from the Lodge, Albanese said it was a “good day for the environment”.

MPs had to return on Friday morning to vote on the amendments made during negotiations, passing the changes with the support of the Greens and all crossbenchers.

Environment Minister Murray Watt and Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young were met with warm congratulations in the lower house after the successful passage of a pivotal environmental bill. Members of Parliament gathered to celebrate with the duo, who played a key role in concluding the agreement on Australia’s environmental legislation.

A male and female politician, sitting on chairs on the side of the lower house chamber, both smiling.

The atmosphere was one of relief and joy as Watt and Hanson-Young beamed after the long-awaited deal. Their collaboration marks a significant moment for the country’s environmental policies, highlighting a rare instance of unity in the often-divisive political landscape.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the chamber, commended the Greens for their pragmatic approach, using the moment to praise them for choosing progress over perfection. “This was a ‘yes’-alition,” he remarked, cleverly twisting his usual criticism of their opposition tactics when they align with the Coalition against Labor proposals.

A woman in a pale blue suit, standing in front of a lectern in the lower house, with male colleagues sitting on the green couch behind her.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has criticised the government for striking a deal with the Greens. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Shortly before the vote, Opposition leader Sussan Ley fired up, telling parliament the deal showed an alliance between Labor and the Greens was “well and truly back in business”.

“We’re not here for dirty deals with the Greens,” Ley said.

“After a disastrous year of no delivery with inflation and interest rates rising, we had to have this. Shame on this government for letting down the people of this country who pay the bills.”

Coalition environmental spokesperson Angie Bell has described the deal as “disastrous” for business and productivity.

The lower house also passed an education integrity bill — addressing departmental powers and course requirements for domestic students — before adjourning for the year.

Politicians will now return to their home states and territories for the summer break and will resume sitting on 3 February 2026.