Debate resumed from 29 November, on motion by Senator Santoro:

That this bill be now read a second time.

upon which Senator Carr had moved by way of an amendment:

At the end of the motion, add “but the Senate:

(a)

expresses its serious concern that:

(i)

the bill is being rushed through the Parliament without proper consideration or consultation,

(ii)

the Howard Government has failed to halt the decline in Australia’s natural environment and best agricultural land,

(iii)

the bill contains no measures to cut Australia’s spiralling greenhouse pollution or protect Australia from dangerous climate change,

(iv)

the bill will increase the Howard Government’s politicisation of environment and heritage protection, and

(v)

many of the proposed changes in the bill will reduce ministerial accountability and opportunities for genuine public consultation; and therefore