Carina Garland (Chisholm, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in support of this important piece of legislation. The Nature Repair Bill 2023 is groundbreaking legislation that presents a significant milestone in our mission to protect and repair Australia's precious natural environment. This legislation establishes the framework for the world's first nature repair market in Australia, which will connect individuals, businesses, philanthropists and organisations wanting to invest in activities that restore and protect nature with those on the ground who can carry out the critical work. As the Minister for the Environment and Water has already stated in this place, the purpose of this legislation is to establish the machinery needed for a nature repair market, that being the register, the rules and the regulator.

The urgency of this legislation is enormous. Our environment, as I imagine everyone in this place knows, is deteriorating, with Australia now holding the shameful title of being the extinction capital of the world. We're losing more mammal species than any other continent. I know how much people in my electorate of Chisholm want urgent action to protect our unique, precious environment. I've met with many groups and individuals who've expressed their care and concern for the environment and, indeed, do so much to protect the local creek areas and parks in our community, planting trees, promoting conservation and cleaning up rubbish. I've had the pleasure of joining them in undertaking these activities on a number of occasions. This is something people in my community in the suburbs of Melbourne are really passionate about. We're witnessing the endangerment of iconic species like koalas, the erosion of our beautiful beaches and the loss of soil fertility. The time to act is now.

The Nature Repair Market Bill is not just about protecting nature from future harm; it's also about healing the land and the water that have suffered the consequences of human actions. This bill complements and reinforces existing government efforts by mobilising private investments in nature protection and restoration. In December last year, the Albanese Labor government unveiled our Nature Positive Plan, which outlined our ambition to reverse the decline of Australia's natural environment. Private land plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, because over 60 per cent of our country's landmass is privately owned. We know that farmers and First Nations people are the owners and custodians of most of this land, and that land harbours critical habitats and precious and endangered species. Our conservation efforts therefore must extend beyond national parks. We must encourage and support nature repair across all land in Australia, and this bill provides the means to do that and to do so with that private land, which, as I said, is the majority of Australia's landmass.

I said earlier that the primary objective of this legislation is to establish the infrastructure required for a nature repair market, being the register, the rules and the regulator. This market will encompass projects that enhance or protect existing environments, as well as those that establish or restore habitats. Importantly, it will operate on a voluntary basis, allowing landholders, including farmers, First Nations people, conservation groups, businesses and local councils, to participate. By undertaking projects to repair or protect nature, landholders will be issued tradable certificates that provide standardised information about the project. Once approved by the regulator, these certificates can be sold to third parties, providing additional income for landholders and opportunities for responsible businesses and individuals to invest in nature repair.

Transparency and accountability are key principles of this legislation. Our public register will track these certificates and allow buyers to make informed decisions and demonstrate their support for nature repair. A regulator will oversee the implementation of projects and ensure compliance with the rules. This framework will ensure that the nature repair market operates in a fair and transparent manner, generating confidence and trust among participants. It's not just that we're taking action here; it's how we're taking action that's really, critically important, too. Significantly, this legislation emphasises the involvement and recognition of Indigenous people and their traditional knowledge. Indigenous landholders and communities will be actively engaged in project development, implementation and decision-making processes. We know that Indigenous people's stewardship and wisdom are invaluable in the restoration and protection of our beautiful natural heritage.

This bill fosters partnerships and collaborations between landholders, conservation organisations and the private sector. This collaboration will mobilise the resources and expertise needed for effective nature repair initiatives. It will encourage innovation and research, leading to the development and adoption of new and sustainable practices in nature repair. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting mechanisms will provide essential data for future decision-making and assessment of the market's effectiveness. It will create a clear and tangible pathway for all Australians to contribute to the restoration and preservation of our natural environment.

We understand that concerns have been raised during the consultation process. Some stakeholders have expressed cautious optimism, recognising the urgent need for increased investment in biodiversity protection. Others have voiced different kinds of apprehension. These concerns are valid, and we must address them thoughtfully and thoroughly, but it is very important that we allow this urgent bill to pass through this House to ensure that our environment is protected and that we are able to start shaking off all of those bad things that have led us to be named the extinction capital of the world, which is a pretty shameful mantle for this nation to bear. The Nature Repair Market Bill is a significant step forward, and we have the opportunity to shape and refine it as we move forward.

This bill is a historic piece of legislation, and it sets the stage for transformative change in this nation's approach to environmental conservation. This legislation will assist in positioning Australia as an investment partner of choice as it relates to nature repair. This bill represents our unwavering commitment to protecting what is precious, repairing what is damaged and managing nature better for future generations. By establishing a nature repair market, our government is creating avenues for all Australians to contribute to the restoration and preservation of our natural environment. We will incentivise landholders to become custodians of our ecosystems, generating income while fulfilling their responsibility to protect nature. The time to act is now, and this bill provides us with the tools to do so.

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