LABOR GAGS DEBATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL REFORM BILLS
4 Nov | '2025
ANGIE BELL MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
SHADOW MINISTER FOR YOUTH
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MONCRIEFF
MEDIA RELEASE
4 November 2025
LABOR GAGS DEBATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL REFORM BILLS
Today in the House of Representatives, Labor moved to squash debate on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act reform Bills.
The reform consists of seven Bills, each individually introduced and spoken to by Labor in the House on Thursday, 30 October 2025.
The Government moved a motion to gag and cognate debate, despite the Shadow Minister for the Environment, Angie Bell, moving to construct debate.
“Whilst these seven Bills make up the entire reform package, they were introduced individually and deserve their own debate,” Ms Bell said.
“The issues within the 1,459 pages cannot be debated, scrutinised and summarised in just one speech.”
“For the Leader of the House to gag and cognate debate is yet another example of this Government attempting to ram through legislation without proper scrutiny.
“This Government has once again proved to be completely and utterly lacking in transparency, accountability and credibility.”
The Coalition remains committed to transparent debate that allows for adequate scrutiny and analysis regardless of what item of business is before the House.
[ENDS]