The Abbott Government is so desperate to please its big business buddies that it’s making out like there’s progress on the one-stop shop, when actually it’s dead.

“It’s utterly bizarre that the Abbott Government keeps talking about the one-stop shop today, when it’s not even included in its repeal day bill

“The Abbott Government knows that its enabling legislation for the one-stop shop is in the Senate and the Greens have secured the numbers to stop it.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:17): I endorse the comments of my colleague, Senator Waters, our spokesperson on environment and mining matters. She set out a very clear case when we come to this Omnibus Repeal Day (Autumn 2014) Bill 2014 that there are some aspects that definitely should not be repealed.

The Australian Greens condemn the Abbott Government’s Energy Minister Ian Macfarlane’s push to “flood the market” with gas, including by trying to bully NSW into developing its own coal seam gas fields and the NT and SA into dangerous fracking and mega pipelines, as reported today.

“Communities are being forced to protect their land and water from gas through protest but the Abbott Government is ignoring them and instead pushing for even more fracked gas,” Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens environment spokesperson, said.

As the Abbott Government makes its third attempt to repeal the carbon price, a new report has found South Australia faces a water crisis due to human-induced climate change.

Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Penny Wright says Prime Minister Abbott's stubborn ignorance on climate science was a betrayal of South Australians.

"While Tony Abbott goes for short-term political gain by scrapping a price on pollution, South Australia will pay dearly," Senator Wright said.

The Greens and Labor have passed a motion in the Senate, calling on the Abbott Government to retain the existing workplace gender equality reporting requirements, instead of watering them down.

“The Abbott Government is delaying a scheduled improvement in workplace gender reporting requirements, under the guise of further consultation,” Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens spokesperson for women, said.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (22:03): Among the numerous disappointments coming from the federal government, it is fair to say that the decision to shut down the National Water Commission is but one. But this is one that deserves close attention. As a nation, we are facing major challenges to our water supplies. The biggest threat, however, is the complete disregard from the federal government for the importance of this issue.

Environment and Communications Legislation Committee

May 26, 2014

Estimates - ENVIRONMENT PORTFOLIO

National Water Commission

The Abbott Government has introduced a bill to the Lower House today to devolve national protection for water resources from coal seam gas to state governments, adding to its environment attacks inflicted by the budget.

Senator WRIGHT (South Australia) (10:57):  I rise to speak in support of this motion on behalf of the Australian Greens. This is a motion calling on Assistant Treasurer Senator Sinodinos:

... to immediately attend the Chamber to provide the Senate with a full explanation of his dealings as a director of Australian Water Holdings, with particular reference to political donations, his shareholdings and his role in contract negotiations ... and his statement made in the Senate on 28 February 2013 and reaffirmed during question time on 6 March 2014;

The motion goes on to say: