- The Albanese Government is weakening Australia's nature laws
- The government is pushing the EPBC Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill through parliament at alarming speed
- The PM has promised the Macquarie Harbour salmon industry he would introduce legislation
- This legislation could sound the death knell for the Maugean skate
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has condemned the Albanese Government's plans to weaken Australia's already fragile environment laws, warning it could pave the way for the extinction of the critically endangered Maugean skate.
The EPBC Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill is scheduled for debate in the House of Representatives next Tuesday and in the Senate on Wednesday. Media reports indicate the proposed legislation has implications far beyond Macquarie Harbour, despite Prime Minister Albanese's initial commitment being solely to introduce legislation for the salmon industry operating in the area.
AMCS Campaign Manager Alexia Wellbelove said the move represents a dangerous precedent for Australia's wildlife and would signal a broken promise from the Albanese Government.
"Australia's nature laws should protect our unique wildlife, not create loopholes that allow polluting industries to drive species to extinction," Ms Wellbelove said.
"The Albanese Government came to power promising stronger nature laws and 'no new extinctions'. Yet three years on, we still don't have those stronger laws, and instead, the government is now rushing through legislation that could weaken existing protections.
"Australia risks being responsible for the world's first marine fish extinction caused directly by aquaculture. This move could allow unsustainable salmon farming to go unchallenged, prioritising industry interests over the environment."
The proposed changes come in the final sitting week of Parliament and during budget week, raising concerns about the government's willingness to fast-track legislation that benefits industry while failing to deliver long-promised environmental protections.
"Media speculation and the title of the Bill suggest the government may be going even further than what was originally promised to the salmon industry. Forcing legislation through both houses in just two days-when stronger nature laws have stalled for months-suggests this Bill is designed to weaken, not strengthen, environmental protections," Ms Wellbelove said.
"Polluting and damaging industries must be properly regulated, not given free rein to continue harming Australia's unique wildlife. Australia's nature laws must not be weakened, or we risk entrenching extinction."
