The Australian Conservation Foundation has congratulated Murray Watt on being appointed the new Minister for Environment and Water and emphasised the importance of tackling the long-overdue reform of the broken national nature laws.
“ACF congratulates Murray Watt on his appointment to this critical portfolio,” said ACF’s CEO Kelly O’Shanassy.
“There are many reasons why we should protect nature, not the least of which is because nature protects us – by providing clean air and water, beautiful landscapes, good food and the materials we need to live.
“But nature in Australia is under intense pressure and the national nature law is not working.
“The Albanese government went to the 2022 election promising thorough reform of the law. That promise remains unfulfilled. It’s time to get on with the job.
“There can be no more delays, caving to lobby groups and carving out industries: the Albanese government must fix Australia’s nature laws in the first year of this term of parliament. ACF looks forward to working with Mr Watt on this critical task.
“We also congratulate Chris Bowen on being returned as Climate and Energy Minister.
“At the 2025 election voters chose renewables, storage and climate solutions over nuclear delay and distraction. Australia is nearly halfway to 100% renewable electricity. Mr Bowen has a clear mandate to continue to coordinate the clean energy transition.
“It will be crucial for this government to stop approving new coal and gas if Australia is to be a credible host of a climate COP next year. Every single new coal and gas mine fuels climate change and catastrophic weather events.
“Having a former Agriculture Minister in Environment increases the opportunities for cooperation on the shared challenges facing nature protection and sustainable agriculture.
“While every sector of the economy is dependent on nature to varying degrees and in different ways, no sector is more dependent on nature being in good health than agriculture.
“Farmers manage more than half Australia’s land, meaning producers have a key role in the collective mission to halt and reverse nature destruction.
“ACF looks forward to working with the re-elected government on these crucial issues.”