Steph Hodgins-May (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The single greatest threat to Australia's national security is climate change. Scientists know this. Defence knows this. Why, then, did the Treasurer fail to mention climate or environment once in his budget speech last night? Because, for them, it's an inconvenient truth standing between them and their corporate cosy-up agenda. And now, with a middle finger to every person and community group doing their best to protect our precious forests, waterways and wildlife, Labor and the coalition are teaming up to ram through legislation that waters down our already weak nature laws. Their goal? Protecting the toxic salmon industry at any cost. The maugean skate is on the brink of extinction in Macquarie Harbour—nothing to see here. Environment laws might get in the way of corporate profits for a bunch of multinational corporations—quick, get laws through under the cover of the budget. That the government appears to be willing to put the future of an entire species at risk at the behest of one industry is truly outrageous.

Those on both sides of the chamber are completely captured by big business. And while this decision was made with the stinky, rotten salmon industry in mind, it will have far-reaching consequences beyond that. It will encourage big polluters to seek other industry specific carve-outs—a free for all. It will make it harder for communities to challenge dirty fossil fuel projects or deforestation projects. It will further erode the role of science in policymaking at a time when we should be strengthening it. I mean, Labor's own conservation advice describes the pollution created by salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour as being 'catastrophic'. This isn't just one policy; it's a dangerous trend of science and evidence being wound back. Labor once promised to uphold the role of environmental science through stronger laws, but now, three years later, they've backtracked, erasing nature from the agenda.

This government's latest attack on nature means that environmental protections are weaker now than when Labor took government three years ago. They are weaker now. Environment laws are meant to protect the environment, not green light destruction. Just once, Labor, show some courage for our kids--our kids who have the right to inherit a world in the same order as we've been able to enjoy it. Put the future of our precious, beautiful planet first, ahead of a quick corporate buck. This is an insult to every Australian who trusted Labor to deliver real change in nature. It's a betrayal to our environment, traditional owners and future generations. It's disgraceful, and everyone in this chamber with a conscience knows it. So, with the election imminent, it is clear that neither major party will deliver on environmental protection. Only the Greens will keep fighting for our climate justice and a secure future for all.