PM Rejects Claim He Vetoed a Deal With the Greens for New Environmental Regulation

The prime minister has also had to play down the supposed impact WA’s premier had on negotiations.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek addresses media in the Mural Hall at Parliament House on May 14, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. Today is final day of a special parliamentary sitting, after parliament was adjourned due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Parliament is set to resume in August 2020. Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denied overriding a specific deal with the Greens on environmental reforms, insisting that Labor’s plans for a national environmental watchdog remain on track.

His comments during the final sitting week of federal Parliament followed a supposed decision to step in after last-minute negotiations between Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.