Crossbench Senators have reiterated their willingness to work with the Albanese Government to pass its Stage Two Nature Positive bills, offering smooth passage of the package if the government is willing to negotiate on a short list of changes.

Senators Lidia Thorpe and David Pocock, along with the Greens, have written to Minister Tanya Plibersek urging her to work with the crossbench to pass legislation to ensure better environmental outcomes are achieved.

The crossbench Senators have said they are open to negotiating with the government on the details of their proposal, which calls for:

• Strengthening the integrity of the EPA through ensuring a strong and independent EPA.
• Addressing deforestation by ensuring land clearing is subject to national environmental laws, including removing the exemption of Regional Forestry Agreements from the EPBC Act.
• Integrating climate considerations into environmental assessments and decision-making so that polluting projects are adequately assessed for their impact.
• Improving inclusion of First Nations ecological knowledge and representation in environmental governance and decision-making.

Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:

"The crossbench is presenting the government with a clear pathway to pass this legislation with modest improvements to achieve better environmental outcomes."

"The government has made a habit of doing dodgy deals with the Coalition but that’s the last thing we need when it comes to the environment. They should work with the crossbench to pass this legislation."

"A deal with the Coalition on these reforms would require Labor to substantially water them down. What would be the point of environmental reforms if they do nothing for the environment?"

"There’s nothing positive about continuing to allow destructive industries and multinational corporations to drive us into a climate and ecological catastrophe, or excluding First Peoples and our expertise from laws that will have such a significant impact on Country."

"Country is in crisis. There's an ever-increasing list of threatened species, ongoing unchecked deforestation and ecosystems beginning to collapse. First Peoples’ cultural heritage, our songlines and our totems are under threat."

"First Peoples have Sovereign rights and obligations to manage and care for Country, but these continue to be violated and undermined by colonial governments."

"Colonial laws like the EPBC Act have been designed by governments and industry to allow for the destruction of Country and our cultural heritage, which is an act of cultural genocide."

"Our Ancestors and Elders have taught us that when we care for Country, Country will care for us."

"On behalf of First Peoples, Country, and future generations, I am asking Minister Plibersek to work with the crossbench to pass these laws in a way that will improve the health of Country."

"I encourage the government to properly consider these modest requests, which will help to halt the ecocide and allow Country to heal."