Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory) (21:28): I move: Omit all words after "That", substitute: "(a) the Senate notes: (i) that the bill will mean certain actions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 will continue without federal oversight or assessment even if it will send a species extinct, (ii) that there is uncertainty around what actions are subject to the provisions of this bill, which could apply to a significant number of environmentally destructive projects, (iii) that the bill runs counter to the Government's commitment to no new extinctions, (iv) that the bill has had no parliamentary scrutiny whatsoever, eroding public trust, (v) that the Government: (A) has failed to improve national environmental laws and has instead capitulated to vested interests and the Coalition to roll back what little protections do exist, and (B) is prioritising reducing environmental protection ahead of addressing the cost of living strains on Australians; and (b) the Senate calls on the Government not to proceed with the bill and instead deliver on long-overdue reforms to strengthen national environmental laws, as promised; and (c) the bill be referred to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 29 May 2025".

The PRESIDENT: The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator David Pocock be agreed to.