Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I was not aware that Senator Abetz and Senator Brown had a coalition going on the hybrid car issue. Senator Abetz, if I were you, I would be very worried given your comments in this place that you are actually on the same page as Senator Brown. But that is a matter for you.

As I have indicated in the answer, my advice is that, before any change can be made to such lists, the EPBC Act does require that rigorous assessment be undertaken, including the preparation of an assessment report and consultation with the public and stakeholders. I know Senator Brown and other members of the Greens have always taken quite a strict or robust view in relation to the EPBC Act. I would not assume that Senator Brown is suggesting in any way that the government should not be observing the provisions of that act in the consideration of this Savannah cat issue. I am advised that Minister Garrett has initiated the required assessment process—as I said, an assessment process that is required under the provisions, as I am advised, of the EPBC Act. That required assessment process has been commenced. (Time expired)