‘Too Vague, Too Risky’: Industry Urges Rewrite of Environment Reforms

Peak industry groups say Labor’s environment bill needs major amendments to deliver clarity, certainty, and faster approvals.

Australian Environment Minister Murray Watt at the National Press Club in Canberra, Australia on Oct. 30, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

A coalition of Australia’s peak industry groups has warned that Labor’s proposed overhaul of federal environment laws risks creating an even slower and more confusing approvals regime, unless significant amendments are made.

In a joint letter sent to Environment Minister Murray Watt and Shadow Environment Minister Angie Bell, 26 industry organisations representing miners, farmers, transport operators, major investors, and small businesses said they support the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025—but only if the government and opposition work together to fix key parts of the draft.