To the new environment minister, Murray Watt: it’s time to get reforms right
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Introduction:
The news topic “To the new environment minister, Murray Watt: it’s time to get reforms right” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- Long overdue reform of national environment laws is unfinished business for the 48th parliament and the re-elected Albanese government. Three major attempts to reform environment laws have failed over the past 15 years, including in the first term of the Rudd government, during the Morrison government and again last term. The logging of native forests and large-scale land clearing of carbon-rich and biologically important regrowth forests and woodlands continues to get the green light. Without urgent change, including large scale restoration and reforestation of previously cleared country, we are leaving the future a landscape devoid of birdsong and wonder. Senator Murray Watt, a Queenslander, is well respected within the government and has a reputation for taking hard decisions and bringing together diverse stakeholders. He will need to succeed where others have not.
- The Australian Conservation Foundation has congratulated Murray Watt on being appointed the new Minister for Environment and Water. ACF’s CEO Kelly O’Shanassy emphasised the importance of tackling the long-overdue reform of the broken national nature laws. “Nature in Australia is under intense pressure and the national nature law is not working,” she said. “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,” she added. “We also congratulate Chris Bowen on being returned as Climate and Energy Minister. Mr Bowen has a clear mandate to continue to coordinate the clean energy transition,” O’ Shanassy said. ‘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’
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
Long overdue reform of national environment laws is unfinished business for the 48th parliament and the re-elected Albanese government. Three major attempts to reform environment laws have failed over the past 15 years, including in the first term of the Rudd government, during the Morrison government and again last term. The logging of native forests and large-scale land clearing of carbon-rich and biologically important regrowth forests and woodlands continues to get the green light. Without urgent change, including large scale restoration and reforestation of previously cleared country, we are leaving the future a landscape devoid of birdsong and wonder. Senator Murray Watt, a Queenslander, is well respected within the government and has a reputation for taking hard decisions and bringing together diverse stakeholders. He will need to succeed where others have not. Read full article
Labors Majority: Albaneses Chance for Climate Action
The Australian Conservation Foundation has congratulated Murray Watt on being appointed the new Minister for Environment and Water. ACF’s CEO Kelly O’Shanassy emphasised the importance of tackling the long-overdue reform of the broken national nature laws. “Nature in Australia is under intense pressure and the national nature law is not working,” she said. “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,” she added. “We also congratulate Chris Bowen on being returned as Climate and Energy Minister. Mr Bowen has a clear mandate to continue to coordinate the clean energy transition,” O’ Shanassy said. ‘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’ Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/13/to-the-new-environment-minister-murray-watt-its-time-to-get-reforms-right