The Albanese Government has undermined modest commitments to nature in tonight's budget by rushing through destructive changes to Australia's environment laws, said WWF-Australia.
The government chose the cover of budget day to introduce amendments to the national nature law that will exempt the Tasmanian salmon industry from proper environmental regulation in Macquarie Harbour despite the damage being experienced by the endangered Maugean skate and adjacent World Heritage Area.
"This could sound the death knell for a species that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs and is found nowhere else on Earth," said WWF-Australia's CEO, Dermot O'Gorman.
"But this legislation goes beyond one industry and the fate of one species.
"It sets a dangerous precedent that will encourage fossil fuel companies and other harmful industries to push for polluting carve outs.
"This is why we need an overhaul of Australia's nature laws. We need laws that protect our unique wildlife and wild places, which Labor promised to deliver in its nature positive package. Instead we have seen polluting industries put before nature.
"WWF is pleased to see Labor recommitting to establishing a national environment protection agency if it wins a second term. This needs to be delivered in the first 12 months of the next Parliament."
Budget leaves nature shortchanged
Tonight's budget provided modest funds for nature, including $200 million to boost Australia's network of protected areas and $12 million to deliver increased ocean protection.
The investment aims to protect another 30 million hectares of land as part of Australia's commitment to protecting at least 30% of land and sea areas by 2030.
"This is a welcome contribution to preserving Australia's wild places, but it will take a lot more than $200 million to protect and manage the diversity of areas important for biodiversity," said Mr O'Gorman.
The budget also failed to provide any significant funding for threatened species recovery.
"This government promised to prevent new extinctions, but has again failed to deliver the funding needed to meet this commitment," said Mr O'Gorman.
"Nature is on life support and the government is delaying treatment."
The budget included $1.8 billion in energy bill relief payments, but no additional funding to subsidise the cost of household solar, batteries and electric appliances.
"It's good to see energy bill relief for those doing it tough, but a more effective way to permanently cut power bills would be targeted measures to electrify and upgrade homes," said Mr O'Gorman.
"All Australians should benefit from the cost savings that come from renewable energy - including people who rent, live in an apartment or cannot afford the upfront costs.
"Basic energy efficiency upgrades combined with solar and battery storage could save an average household $3039 per year."
Nature needs 1% of the national budget
With an election looming, WWF-Australia is calling on the next Australian Government to invest 1% of the budget into nature.
"Australia's biodiversity crisis is a direct result of decades of inadequate funding," said Mr O'Gorman.
"A mere $317 million is forecast to be spent on biodiversity over the next financial year. This is less than half a percent of Australia's budget and a paltry sum for something that is essential to our economy and wellbeing.
"Investing in nature will not only drive economic growth and job creation, but also safeguard Australian communities and wildlife."
People can send a message to their political leaders and ask them to prioritise nature here.
