Australia politics live: Pocock says environment laws must ‘actually protect nature’ as Labor offers compromises to Greens and Coalition

The Labor government is poised to pass long-awaited nature laws this week, with negotiations ongoing with the Greens and Liberals to secure the necessary support for Senate approval. The government has indicated it can finalize a deal by Thursday, amid years of debate over environmental law reform.

Labor is advancing its universal childcare plan in Australia by introducing new laws that will require private operators to provide sensitive commercial data. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive national childcare system, as articulated by Jason Clare, who emphasizes the need for accurate and representative information to inform government reforms.

Labor has announced it will not utilize a controversial 'national interest' exemption to approve coal and gas projects if the Greens support its nature laws. This decision comes amid significant criticism regarding the discretionary power associated with the exemption, including from key figures like Graeme Samuel and Ken Henry.

The EPBC Act is a significant focus as the Labor government aims to pass environmental law reforms before the summer break. The Liberal leader, Sussan Ley, is under pressure to demonstrate her leadership amid ongoing negotiations with the Greens, who are also seeking to influence the outcome of the legislation.