MPs urge Albanese to end native forest logging exemptions

Independent MPs and crossbench senator Lidia Thorpe are urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to eliminate logging exemptions established during John Howard's administration. These exemptions allow native forest logging to bypass national environmental laws, raising concerns about the impact on threatened species and habitats. Dr. Sophie Scamps, the independent MP for Mackellar, emphasized the need for reform to uphold the government's environmental promises, especially in light of the ongoing climate and extinction crises. The government is currently negotiating environmental law reforms in the Senate, with the Greens and crossbenchers advocating for the abolition of regional forest agreements (RFAs). While the environment minister previously indicated a need for legislative change, the government has ruled out introducing new laws during its current term. Instead, it is focused on establishing an independent environment agency to oversee compliance and protect natural resources. This agency would have the authority to issue stop-work orders to prevent environmental damage. The urgency of these negotiations is underscored by recent court findings in New South Wales, which highlighted a pattern of environmental violations by the Forestry Corporation. As other states like Victoria and Western Australia have already ceased native forest logging, the pressure mounts on the Albanese government to take decisive action to protect Australia's forests and biodiversity.