Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I fundamentally reject the premise of the question. The standards will ensure that high environmental outcomes are maintained. On 2 November 2012, the minister released a draft framework of standards for accreditation. The draft standards, along with the accompanying statement of environmental and assurance outcomes, were released so that people could be clear on what the draft standards were and the approach the government would take to the negotiation of the bilateral agreements with states and territories, and to ensure there were no omissions.

The draft standards are the foundational rules for the negotiations. They are about keeping the bar high, and making sure Australia's environmental protection standards are maintained.