The debate over Labor’s proposed environmental reforms is firing up ahead of its introduction when parliament returns next week, with both ends of the political spectrum criticising the legislation.
“[The legislation has] got business and industry fingerprints all over it,” Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said on Sky News.
“There’s very little guarantees for nature in this package. There’s no guaranteed protection for our native forest, and there’s no extra protection for our climate, and that’s a fail from my perspective.”
Deputy Nationals leader Kevin Hogan.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Meanwhile, Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said the proposed requirements for companies to disclose emissions would make it harder for industry to employ Australians and contribute to the economy, before calling for the forestry industry to be protected.
“When you shut down a place, a national park, weeds grow there, and koalas leave because they can’t get around the ground,” Hogan said.
Hanson-Young said: “You think the koalas need loggers in order to survive? I mean, that is the most backwards, crazy thinking I’ve heard for a long time.”