After half a decade of postponements, Australia’s parliament is set to pass crucial legislation aimed at overhauling the nation’s flawed environmental regulation system. This development comes after the government and the Greens reached an agreement, ensuring the passage of the new laws.

This morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that a deal with the minor party had been finalized. This agreement guarantees that the legislation, which revises the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, will clear the Senate on the last sitting day of the year.

“Today marks a historic moment for environmental protection in our country,” declared Albanese. “It’s also a win for businesses, as it promises more certainty, reduces bureaucratic delays, and ensures better outcomes while boosting productivity.”

This breakthrough follows more than five years of inaction after a 2020 review led by Professor Graeme Samuel called for “fundamental reform” of the EPBC Act. The review highlighted that the act was a hindrance to comprehensive environmental management, which is crucial for success, and noted that it lacked public trust.

The deal comes more than five years after a 2020 review by Professor Graeme Samuel found the EPBC Act required “fundamental reform”, because it was a “barrier to holistic environmental management which… is essential for success” and wasn’t trusted by the public.