Greens aim to block new coal and gas projects if they hold balance of power
The Greens will demand Labor block any new coal or gas projects if they hold the balance of power in the event of a hung parliament, the leader of the minor party revealed on Monday.
Adam Bandt will reveal the policy in the electorate of Sydney, currently held by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, making the point that he holds her personally responsible for the approval of more than 30 new coal and gas projects since 2022.
The Greens are basing their new policy on a Parliamentary Library analysis to claim Climate Minister Chris Bowen could block new projects under existing laws.
The minor party argues the new legal analysis proves that the climate minister already has the power to block all projects through the Safeguard Mechanism due to earlier Greens amendments.
The Safeguard Mechanism is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the nation's largest industrial facilities, and during negotiations for the 2023 legislation, the Greens introduced a hard cap on the amount of climate pollution permitted under the scheme.
They point out that this gives the environment minister wide-ranging powers over new coal and gas projects.
The Greens say the use of these latent powers remove any need for new legislation to pass the Parliament, and also deal with any objections from the environment minister that climate-destroying projects can still proceed.
'If you want climate action, you have to vote for it, because it's clear Labor won't act on climate unless pushed,' said Mr Bandt.
The proposal has the potential to impact controversial plans like the North West Shelf gas project that face strong objections on environmental grounds.
If Labor falls short of the 76 seats needed to govern in majority, it will depend on the crossbench, including the Greens, to form government.
The Greens will seek these powers be exercised so that the permissible pollution from new mines is set at zero and the new mines are unable to purchase offsets for any pollution above that level.
'In the middle of a climate crisis, Tanya Plibersek has approved new coal mines that will release 2.5 billion tonnes of climate pollution. If the Environment Minister won't act, the Greens will get the Climate Minister to do it,' he added.
'The Greens gave the Climate Minister the power to stop new coal and gas mines with the stroke of a pen, and with more Greens in minority Parliament we'll get him to use it.'
The Greens' latest policy builds on earlier demands it intends to make if it Labor is forced to negotiate in the event of a hung parliament or minority government.
Earlier in April, Mr Bandt made an election pitch to reform negative gearing and end capital gains tax discounts on investment properties.
'This election, the Greens are the party of renters and first home buyers,' he said at an event at the National Press Club, also spruiking the party's key pledges to add dental treatment to Medicare, end native forest logging and provide free, universal, high quality childcare.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens deputy leader, said the party was committed to addressing the electorate's fears over the climate crisis.
'The impacts of the climate crisis are here, people are being devastated and traumatised again and again by climate-driven disasters,' she said.
'The science is clear: tackling the climate crisis means no new coal and gas. With more Greens in parliament, we will get Labor to act so we can power past coal and gas.'
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
PM leans on friends in uncertain world ahead of talks
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"We in Australia understand that in today's uncertain world, what we need are partners and friends we can rely on." During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Vuvale Partnership, which emphasises both countries' shared goal of regional peace, security and prosperity. The prime ministers began preparations for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands in September, which is expected to enhance co-operation within the region. While Mr Albanese's Pacific visit is expected to play second fiddle to a potential meeting with US President Donald Trump in coming days, regional issues such as security remain a key focus for Australia. The environment and climate change were also discussion points in Fiji as Australia bids to co-host the United Nations' climate conference with Pacific partners in 2026. "Fiji is one of the most important relationships for Australia in the Pacific Islands region," Lowy Institute Pacific Islands program director Mihai Sora told AAP. The nation had been able to delineate its security relationships with traditional partners such as the US, Australia and New Zealand while also protecting and promoting trade and economic ties with China and other parts of Asia, Mr Sora said. Mr Albanese was welcomed by a delegation and local marching band, which made him feel at home with a rendition of Advance Australia Fair, before attending a meeting and dinner with Fijian officials. However, the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's whirlwind trip will be the G7 summit, a gathering of seven of the world's largest advanced economies. Australia is not a member of the G7, but Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Mr Albanese. He is expected to meet with the US president on the sidelines of the conference, where he could try to carve out a tariff exemption. Australia faces 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like every US trading partner except the UK - has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America. The Australian government has called the trade measures an "act of economic self-harm" and is considering using critical minerals and US beef imports as bargaining chips. Mr Albanese has not yet confirmed whether he will meet Mr Trump, although other bilateral discussions have been organised with the leaders of Canada, the UK, South Korea and Japan. The prime minister is also expected to meet with business leaders in Seattle en route to the G7 to discuss emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The prime minister has stressed the importance of "trusted partners" in an uncertain world as major diplomatic talks loom. Sporting a teal and white island shirt, Anthony Albanese met with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka in Nadi on his first stop of a global tour. The meeting was their first since Labor's decisive re-election and Mr Albanese said the timing showed both nations were part of a "Pacific family". "You, my friend, are a trusted partner and friend of Australia," Mr Albanese told Mr Rabuka ahead of bilateral discussions. "We in Australia understand that in today's uncertain world, what we need are partners and friends we can rely on." During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Vuvale Partnership, which emphasises both countries' shared goal of regional peace, security and prosperity. The prime ministers began preparations for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands in September, which is expected to enhance co-operation within the region. While Mr Albanese's Pacific visit is expected to play second fiddle to a potential meeting with US President Donald Trump in coming days, regional issues such as security remain a key focus for Australia. The environment and climate change were also discussion points in Fiji as Australia bids to co-host the United Nations' climate conference with Pacific partners in 2026. "Fiji is one of the most important relationships for Australia in the Pacific Islands region," Lowy Institute Pacific Islands program director Mihai Sora told AAP. The nation had been able to delineate its security relationships with traditional partners such as the US, Australia and New Zealand while also protecting and promoting trade and economic ties with China and other parts of Asia, Mr Sora said. Mr Albanese was welcomed by a delegation and local marching band, which made him feel at home with a rendition of Advance Australia Fair, before attending a meeting and dinner with Fijian officials. However, the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's whirlwind trip will be the G7 summit, a gathering of seven of the world's largest advanced economies. 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The prime minister has stressed the importance of "trusted partners" in an uncertain world as major diplomatic talks loom. Sporting a teal and white island shirt, Anthony Albanese met with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka in Nadi on his first stop of a global tour. The meeting was their first since Labor's decisive re-election and Mr Albanese said the timing showed both nations were part of a "Pacific family". "You, my friend, are a trusted partner and friend of Australia," Mr Albanese told Mr Rabuka ahead of bilateral discussions. "We in Australia understand that in today's uncertain world, what we need are partners and friends we can rely on." During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Vuvale Partnership, which emphasises both countries' shared goal of regional peace, security and prosperity. 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Mr Albanese was welcomed by a delegation and local marching band, which made him feel at home with a rendition of Advance Australia Fair, before attending a meeting and dinner with Fijian officials. However, the centrepiece of Mr Albanese's whirlwind trip will be the G7 summit, a gathering of seven of the world's largest advanced economies. Australia is not a member of the G7, but Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Mr Albanese. He is expected to meet with the US president on the sidelines of the conference, where he could try to carve out a tariff exemption. Australia faces 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like every US trading partner except the UK - has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America. The Australian government has called the trade measures an "act of economic self-harm" and is considering using critical minerals and US beef imports as bargaining chips. 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The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Liberals turn to ex-federal politicians for snap poll
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"It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state. Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state. Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state. Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Woodside given more time to consider gas plant rules
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The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields." A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields." A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields." A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields."
