Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water
Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Chris Gambian said: “Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has elevated the standing of environment and water in the federal government by appointing one of Labor’s most talented and experienced ministers to the portfolio.
“I have known Tanya for 25 years and know she will bring intelligence, care and passion to this incredibly important and challenging portfolio.
“We look forward to working with Federal Labor to save koalas, revive the Murray-Darling and put the protection of nature at the heart of government decision making
“The challenges are very significant, but hopes are high.”
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
“Chris Bowen’s formidable intellect and political skills make him perfectly suited for one of the most challenging policy areas in modern Australian politics.
“He has a deep understanding of the unprecedented economic opportunities presented by Australia’s abundant clean-energy resources while also being acutely aware of the consequences of inaction.
“We look forward to working with Mr Bowen and his team to deliver a safer climate and prosperity for all Australians.”
Senator Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
“Senator McAllister will bring intellectual rigour and a deep personal commitment to climate action to the portfolio.
“She has a long history of working on climate issues at the state and federal levels and was a co-founder the Labor Environmental Action Network (LEAN).
“We have had many positive interactions with the Senator over several years and look forward to working constructively with her wherever possible.”
Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
“Agriculture, forestry and fisheries have a huge impact on nature and the climate, so we are very happy that Murray Watt will lead the government’s work in these critical fields over the next three years.
“Senator Watt has been a very effective Senator for Queensland and will bring considerable skills to this portfolio.
“We look forward to ending the phony culture war prosecuted by his predecessors.
‘We stand ready to build a constructive relationship between industry and conservationists in a range of areas, including dealing more effectively with feral pests and carefully crafting a robust, durable method of managing carbon in productive landscapes.
“I have often said that some of the best conservationists in the country are farmers.
“Australia relies on the farming community not only to feed the nation, but to manage our precious ecosystems and wildlife and to play a key role in tackling climate change.”