Advocates have warned that the credibility of the latest attempt to rewrite federal environmental protection laws hinges on decision-makers taking climate change into account when assessing projects. The consultation on these changes has begun, with various groups participating in a roundtable with the new environment minister, Murray Watt, in Canberra.

The Climate Council's chief executive, Amanda McKenzie, emphasized the need for mechanisms to address climate impacts, which she considers the most significant threat to Australia's environment. She stated that ignoring climate change in the law would undermine its credibility.

While Watt downplayed the idea of explicitly including climate change in the laws, he highlighted existing mechanisms to manage emissions from polluting projects. He acknowledged the differing opinions on this matter and expressed openness to feedback.

The issue of integrating climate considerations into federal nature laws poses a significant challenge for Watt as he seeks broad support for revising the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The proposed changes come five years after a review of the EPBC Act by Graeme Samuel.

Labor's plan to establish a federal environment protection agency was delayed in the previous parliament, but Watt sees a clear mandate following the recent federal election to address environmental laws. He aims to introduce these changes within 18 months, focusing on national environmental standards, streamlined approvals, regional planning, a robust offsets regime, and improved data on environmental impacts.

Despite disagreements between industry and environmentalists, stakeholders generally support these principles. However, the issue of adding climate considerations to nature laws remains contentious. The Greens and climate activists advocate for a 'climate trigger' to assess projects' pollution, while miners oppose this idea, fearing it could hinder project approvals.

Advocates stress that climate impacts must be part of the environmental assessment process, regardless of the specific model used. The Australian Conservation Foundation and other groups call for a pause on habitat clearing and fossil fuel project approvals until the new laws are in place.

Various mining groups, including the Minerals Council of Australia and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, participated in the roundtable discussions. While differing views persist, there is a shared goal among stakeholders to enact changes efficiently and improve environmental protections.