Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Youth) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition has engaged in good faith with the government to secure environmental law reform—reform that will deliver for the environment and for jobs, industry and investment—in our great nation because Australians deserve environmental laws that are productive, practical and durable. But the legislation in its current form, despite the lofty rhetoric of those opposite, falls well short of delivering the certainty, the balance and the productivity that our nation needs. The coalition have engaged constructively throughout this process and we have put forward a list of seven substantive concerns to the government, which Labor has failed to address in their amendments. They have failed to deal with the core concerns raised by industry and housing stakeholders. The coalition has been clear, the housing sector has been clear and the Senate inquiry has been clear that no-one is asking for lower standards. It is clarity, efficiency and regulatory settings that allow them to build, innovate and grow. We all share the goal of protecting Australia's environment.

Environmental protection and national productivity are not mutually exclusive. We cannot risk sending investment offshore, slowing productivity and putting thousands of jobs at risks. If the government continues with its antijobs, antiproductivity and anti-investment pathway then we cannot support the legislation. Australia needs good environment laws, not political shortcuts disguised as reform. We remain ready to work constructively to deliver a better pathway forward for our environment and for our economy. (Time expired)