Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (16:37): Minister, I have a question about the new provisions intended to stop fossil fuel projects from being fast-tracked. I'm wondering if they extend to and include exploration activities. Could exploration activities for fossil fuels be fast-tracked under the amendments agreed to with the Greens?

We know that some of the activities can be extremely damaging, particularly to water resources in relation to coal-seam gas or fracking. I visited the Pilliga a couple of times and saw some of the gas test sites that have leaked and damaged the land around them. So I'm interested in whether it will also include exploration activities.