In response to Rio Tinto's statement on Australia's EPBC reform, the Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said:
"It is significant that Rio Tinto has today broken rank and is joining a chorus of voices calling on the government to reform the EPBC Act given the mining industry's role in derailing the process through parliament.
"Rio Tinto's support for an EPA, strong environmental standards, a nature positive Australia and recognition that the reforms need to deal with climate change shows that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should immediately re-open negotiations with the Senate crossbench.
"Our national nature protection laws are broken – they don't protect nature and are not working for business.
"We have been actively engaging with Rio Tinto and while we do not agree on everything, we both believe it is this government's job to urgently reform the broken laws like it promised.
"As a country, we can protect nature and have a healthy economy because they are dependent on each other.
"If we don't prioritise the protection of nature, then our economy suffers.
"New Yougov polling shows a majority of Australians support stronger laws to protect nature which is another clear sign to the Prime Minister to do his job.
"The Senate crossbench has offered a clear pathway to pass the Nature Positive bills, and now the government needs to get a deal done."
