PAUL MURRAY:
Two people who are in Canberra just to help and will agree on everything. I have no doubt. Stephen Conroy, in the Labor corner. Angie Bell is the Shadow Environment Minister as well. Look at that. They’re in completely separate parts of the same studio. Oh no, I broke the fourth wall. I broke the fourth wall. All right, lovely to see you both. Okay.
NIKOLINA KHAROUFEH:
The latest government data reveals just how many crimes Queensland kids have been charged with under adult crime. Joining me live now is Shadow Environment and Youth Minister Angie Bell. Thank you so much for joining us this morning, Angie. Good morning to you.
NIKOLINA KHAROUFEH:
Well, joining me live now on Sky Breakfast is Shadow Environment and Youth Minister Angie Bell. Angie, we have a few things to cover today. Thank you so much for your time. Now, first, Australia’s peak business lobby has been warning the nation’s project approvals process needs some improvement under environmental law reform, or they say significant investment will really amount to nothing. Labor has promised to set up a National Environment Protection Agency to really restore trust in the rules. What are your thoughts on this?
Australia has one of the highest rates of flora and fauna extinctions in the world.
Since the Albanese Labor government came to office, 275 species have been newly listed as threatened bringing the total number to over 2,000.
Shadow Minister for the Environment, Angie Bell is alarmed by the increasing numbers of native flora and fauna being added to the threatened species list under Labor.
TOM CONNELL:
Sunday marks Threatened Species Day, raising awareness about Australia’s unique flora and fauna. 59 species have moved into a higher threat category since May 2022. When Labor took office, the government seemed to overhaul environmental laws before the end of the year. The Shadow Environment Minister, Angie Bell, joins me live now. Interesting to note, this day falls on the same day the Tasmanian tiger became extinct, the most famous of the extinct animals in Australia. But a lot of the other species at threat get a lot less attention.
SALLY SARA:
As the federal government prepares to announce its 2035 emissions target, the Business Council of Australia has released its own economic modelling on the cost of cutting emissions.
Walking on Australian beaches year-round is a luxury we enjoy in our great country. But for South Australians, this luxury has not existed for months. Beaches are closed, and they’ve been told to stay more than 300 metres away due to the harmful algal bloom that’s ravaging the coastline.
ANGIE BELL:
What we have seen to date is three years of failure to reform the EPBC Act under a Labor Albanese government. We have seen three years of failure and delay with a foot on the brake when it comes to reforming the EPBC Act. And now, what we’re hearing is that the government is on a fast train to reforming the EPBC Act. What I will say about that is that this government has had plenty of time to decide on an update to the EPBC Act and reform it, and it has failed categorically.
WILL GOODINGS:
We’ll revisit that shortly. But before we do, at four to seven, let’s talk Algal Bloom. Angie Bell’s the Federal Shadow Environment Minister and joins us on FIVEAA Breakfast. Angie Bell, good morning to you.
JAYNIE SEAL:
In a bid to revive South Australia’s algae-hit coastal towns, the state government is rolling out 20,000 Coast is Calling travel vouchers. They are worth up to $500 each and are aimed at luring visitors back to holiday hotspots along the coast. The voucher can be used for discounts on accommodation, tours and experiences.