A Western Australian Labor MP has broken ranks to voice concern about “coordinated efforts by interest groups” to influence state and federal environmental protection laws.
Meanwhile, the federal government continues Faces industry backlash over prospect of deal with Greens on ‘nature positive’ laws.
Outgoing state MP Chris Tallentire, who is retiring at next year’s state election, made the comments in parliament as he spoke about his concerns about: New Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) legislation under the Western Australian Labor Government.
The mining industry has welcomed legislation to reform Western Australia’s environmental regulator. （ABC News: Gian De Polloni）
“As members here, we have to be aware that interest groups are working together to oppose environmental protection laws at both the state and federal levels,” he told parliament.
“Nowhere is this concerted effort more evident than in articles from the Seven West Media Group, which sees at least a barrage of headlines and reports attacking ‘naturally positive’ evidence every week.”
Mr Tallentil singled out Seven West Media for its coverage of federal environmental protection laws.
（Cornerback: Nick Wiggins）
The Western Australian Government recently introduced legislation to reform the Environmental Protection Agency.
The law reforms were based on 39 recommendations from an independent report written by former EPA chairman Dr Paul Vogel and planning expert David McPherson.
The laws have been widely welcomed by the mining and business sectors but have also raised concerns among environmental groups.
Industry Wish List: Tallentire
Mr Tallentill, who was Labor’s shadow environment minister in 2017 and a former director of the WA Conservation Council, said he would support the state government’s reform of EPA legislation but raised several issues of concern to environmentalists.
He said Dr Vogel and Mr McPherson’s report “basically sets out a wish list that certain industry groups have been advocating for years”.
Mr Tallentil is concerned about removing the right to appeal EPA decisions. （ABC Perth: Nicholas Perpich）
Among his concerns are the removal of the right to appeal against EPA decisions and the introduction of a government “statement of intent” outlined by the environment secretary.
“The appeals process is very important and we should respect and cherish it,” he said.
Mr Tallenty said that while he was not concerned about the statement of intent made by current Environment Minister Reece Whitby, he was concerned that the law could be abused by future governments.
“It is possible that a statement of intent could be issued to expedite approvals for the nuclear power plant,” he said.
“That’s something people might be concerned about.”
He expressed concern about media coverage of the federal government’s proposed conservation reforms. Negotiations are at a standstill as talks with the Coalition and the Greens are ongoing..
“These laws have been subject to much ridicule, particularly from Seven West Media,” Mr Tallentil told parliament.
Graeme Samuel, who is leading a review of Australia’s national environmental laws, has previously accused the WA mining industry and Seven West Media of spreading misinformation about the Albanese government’s nature reforms.
Minister opposes federal climate trigger
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has previously said he does not want to see a “climate trigger” in federal Labor’s planned changes to environment protection laws.
A climate trigger around carbon emissions would kick off the federal government’s approval process. （ABC News: Brendan Esposito）
His concern is the potential for duplication of work between the Commonwealth and the states and increased approval times, which he believes could hamper the government’s efforts to become a major green energy hub.
Responding to recent reports that a deal with the Greens could be back on the table, Mr Whitby again reasoned that a climate trigger was unnecessary.
“We have a safeguard mechanism at the federal level that can effectively assess these types of climate change issues,” he said.
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Whitby said Labour colleague Tarrant Till was entitled to his views and reiterated the backbencher’s ultimate support for the bill.
“We have a strong democracy and people have the right to express their views,” he said.
“Industry people expressed their views, Chris expressed his views, environmentalists expressed their views.
“My job is to find the right balance.”
Seven West Media has been contacted for comment.
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