LEAN Tasmania - Labor Environment Action Network

02/09/2026

In case you missed this!
SMH 13/8: 'The fate of the Great Koala National Park hangs in the balance as a new carbon accounting method divides conservationists'
'Dailan Pugh has fought on the frontlines of Australia’s forest wars since the 1970s. In all that time, he says, he never expected to see one of the movement’s elders, Bob Brown, take a position alongside the Nationals, One Nation and loggers, and against a coalition of forest conservation activists.

But here we are. A deep division has opened up in the environment movement over a new carbon accounting method proposed by the NSW Labor government and approved by the Albanese government last month that allows state governments to extract a stream of revenue from publicly owned native forests, such as the proposed Great Koala National Park in northern NSW.

As the environment movement does battle over the method, known as the Improved Native Forest Management Method (INFM), old alliances have collapsed, and hate mail has been dispatched.

The method’s champions, which include a raft of scientists and environment groups, believe that if this new method is adopted, it will not only generate hundreds of millions of dollars that can be used to restore publicly owned native forests, it could lead to the end of logging across the country.' Read the full story.

LEAN NSW - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN North CoastLEAN Qld - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Capital Region - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Central CoastLEAN Tasmania - Labor Environment Action NetworkLabor Environment Action Network SALEAN NT - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN NSW South CoastLEAN South West TasmaniaLEAN - Sunshine Coast & Wide BayLEAN WA - Labor Environment Action Network

02/09/2026

What qualifies as a win in environmental campaigning?

Is it when a huge forest area that is home to a stack of threatened species, including koalas, and has been the focus of years and years of campaigning, is protected from logging?

Or does it depend on how the battle is won – for example, if it lets companies claim that the forest is helping cut their pollution?

It sounds like the start of a philosophical debate, but isn’t. It’s at the heart of a dispute dividing environment and climate activists, and is being weighed by the Greens ahead of a vote in the Senate next month.

In blunt terms, the minor party is considering whether to make an extraordinary call: to support a Nationals motion to strike down a Labor plan that would create a long-discussed great koala national park in northern New South Wales, and significantly reduce native forest logging in the state.'

'The vote was scheduled for last week but – in a sign of how vexed the issue has become – has been delayed until next month after the Greens asked the Nationals for more time to reach a consensus position.'

The 'method that the Greens are considering blocking – known as “improved native forest management” – was strengthened during development, and isn’t just about the koala park.

The proposed design of the project goes well beyond Labor’s commitment before the 2023 election, when it said it would allocate $80m in funding, which it has, and assess state forests that could be included in a park. It now includes capping logging in the state’s public and private native forests well below average levels over the past decade.

This shouldn’t be underestimated. Some campaigners believe it could rapidly accelerate the decline of native forest logging in the state.
Another is that the number of carbon credits created through the proposal would be relatively small – less than 1% of the total issued annually across Australia. The percentage would remain low even if the method was used to shut down forestry in other parts of NSW, or even Tasmania.

It means the native forest method is not the thing that will decide whether polluters continue to have access to cheap carbon credits.

If that argument is to be fought and won, it will have to be made elsewhere – not in a decision over a Nationals’ motion in the Senate.

Labor and the Greens may yet reach a compromise, possibly by legislating so that credits from protecting forests can only be bought by industries not involved in fossil fuel extraction and production. The NSW government has said it would do this, though it is not clear how it could work.

The incentives for the Greens to do a deal are powerful, even as its elders accuse Labor of bastardry.

It would belatedly protect these forests and their rich biodiversity. That’s no small thing. It is far from guaranteed to happen in a way conservationists would support otherwise. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson has warned things could get “worse, not better” if the carbon credits plan is disallowed.

In purely political terms, a deal with Labor would mean the party won’t have to spend years trying to defend itself against accusations it abandoned local campaigners and sided with rightwing MPs – and a celebrating forestry industry – to block a landmark koala park.

Is that really the position it wants to be in as it fights to get its message out in a rapidly changing electoral landscape? Perhaps the decision shouldn’t be so complicated after all.'

LEAN NSW - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Central CoastLEAN Capital Region - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN North CoastLEAN NSW South Coast

23/07/2026

Amendment passed unopposed! "Labor will ensure that all policies, including taxation, work together to provide appropriate incentives and remove disincentives for orderly decarbonisation".
Moved by LEAN convenor Louise Crawford and backed on the floor by Labor MPs like Jerome Laxale, Sally Sitou, and Ged Kearney.

"This amendment and our platform should send a message to the haters that Labor can and will double down on decarbonisation."

That's what I said on the conference floor today.

Today, Labor's National Conference backed an amendment to our policy platform that ensures our tax system supports decarbonisation rather than working against it. It's an important step that opens the door to future reform of measures like the diesel fuel tax credit for major mining companies.

Credit to the Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN) and the 355 Labor branches across the country that pushed for this change.

Our job isn't done. There are tough decisions ahead if we're serious about reaching net zero, but it's only Labor that can be bold, deliver reform while managing the transition, and be both pro-worker and pro-environment.

23/07/2026

Fabulous!

22/07/2026

Superb work Kanamaluka Tamar Branch!

One more sleep here in Adelaide and 354 Branches have passed our motion!

We have to thank the fabulous members at The Kanamaluka / Tamar branch in Tasmania!

Love the heritage costume too! "Hear ye, Hear ye"

They - like branches right across the country - have discussed and supported our LEAN motion calling on the party to adopt the policy to make the Diesel Fuel Tax rebate scheme 'Faster, Fairer, Smarter' and protect our climate!

They understand this policy will not impact farmers, or builders - that is why its capped.

LEAN has run a grassroots, branch to branch campaign in every state and territory, to explain the motion and win support. Read more here: https://www.lean.net.au/dftc

🟢 Our plan would lead to faster decarbonisation by removing a disincentive for the biggest users to electrify.

🟢 It is fairer because it caps the rebate at an already very high $50 million a year and makes the excess funds available to industries that want to invest in real decarbonisation (including those mining companies), as well as potentially freeing up billions of litres of fuel for farmers, truckies and ordinary motorists.

🟢 It is smarter because it redirects billions of dollars away from disincentivising decarbonisation towards a fund that will assist the take-up of new technologies to reduce emissions.

💚What is special about where your branch is?

💚 The Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary (stretching 70km from Launceston to the Bass Strait) is Australia's longest navigable estuary. It is highly significant environmentally for its rare tidal freshwater wetlands, biodiverse saltmarshes, and its role as a crucial stopover for over 20 migratory bird species on the East Asian–Australasian flyway.

💚 Vital Wetlands: The estuary features federally protected temperate saltmarshes, threatened swamp paperbark forests, and highly productive mudflats that filter water and support rare species like the Green and Gold Bell Frog.

💚 Marine Biodiversity: The lower estuary boasts deep channels and rocky reefs acting as important nurseries for sharks, rays, seahorses, and unique marine life. The area is entirely a Protected Shark Refuge.

💚 Tidal Dynamics: It creates a rare Tidal Freshwater Zone where tidal forces push river water upstream, nurturing dynamic floodplain ecosystems.

💚 Cultural Significance: The area has been a flourishing hub of biodiversity and the traditional home of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people for over 40,000 years.

💚 Ecological Restoration & Threats
Due to historical agricultural and industrial modifications, the estuary faces ongoing challenges with sediment accumulation, nutrient runoff, and historical sewage outflows.
To combat this, the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce and the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers Program are executing major infrastructure and wetland rehabilitation projects to improve water quality and ecological health.

💚 Love your work Kanamaluka / Tamar!

LEAN Tasmania - Labor Environment Action NetworkTasmanian Young LaborLEAN SW Tasmania Jess Teesdale MP

19/07/2026

And we are now over 350 branches. Congratulations all and let’s keep going.

Over 350 branches! Today we thank the Southern Highlands branch in NSW!

Labor members at branches right across Australia have discussed and supported our LEAN motion calling on the party to adopt the policy to make the Diesel Fuel Tax rebate scheme 'Faster, Fairer, Smarter' and protect our climate!

They understand this policy will not impact farmers, or builders - that is why its capped.

LEAN has run a grassroots, branch to branch campaign in every state and territory, to explain the motion and win support. Read more here: https://www.lean.net.au/dftc

🟢 Our plan would lead to faster decarbonisation by removing a disincentive for the biggest users to electrify.

🟢 It is fairer because it caps the rebate at an already very high $50 million a year and makes the excess funds available to industries that want to invest in real decarbonisation (including those mining companies), as well as potentially freeing up billions of litres of fuel for farmers, truckies and ordinary motorists.

🟢 It is smarter because it redirects billions of dollars away from disincentivising decarbonisation towards a fund that will assist the take-up of new technologies to reduce emissions.
Has YOUR branch discussed the motion yet? Email us at [email protected] to make sure we know and if you haven't discussed it yet, we will post the information you need to take it to the next meeting.

💚What is special about where your branch is?

The Southern Highlands of New South Wales is environmentally special because it features rare endemic plant communities, ancient geological formations, and vital habitats for vulnerable wildlife.

It is home to:
- the Southern Highlands Shale Forest and Woodland, a critically endangered ecological community found nowhere else.

- Robertson Rainforest: Features rich volcanic basalt soils supporting rare tall open forests and cool-temperate rainforest pockets.

- High Biodiversity: Supports diverse structures from wet sclerophyll forests to open grassy woodlands.

- Ancient Geological and Water Features like Wingecarribee Swamp - one of the oldest montane peat swamps (mires) in southeast Australia, containing sediment records dating back 15,000 years.

- The area acts as a crucial upland plateau dividing major river systems and protecting clean headwaters and sustains an important, highly studied regional koala colony.

- AND refuge for rare species like the spotted-tail quoll, powerful owl, and glossy black cockatoo.

💚 Your work Southern Highlands!

LEAN NSW - Labor Environment Action Network Carol Berry MP

18/07/2026

Worth a read:

Removal of tax credit would incentivise electrification of truck and rail fleets, Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility says

13/07/2026

P👏S👏A👏

The LEAN Diesel tax rebate proposal will👏not👏affect👏BUILDERS!

The LEAN Diesel tax rebate proposal will👏not👏affect👏FARMERS!

Here are the facts on LEAN's proposal: https://www.lean.net.au/dftc

THE AUSTRALIAN: 'The leading body for the housing and construction industry has backed in the mining sector to shield the $9.1bn fuel tax credits scheme from a grassroots Labor push to wind back the measure ahead of this month’s national conference.'

'A campaign launched in February by the Labor Environmental Action Network, the party’s ­largest membership group, has pushed for the $50m cap to redirect savings to decarbonisation projects. Bennelong Labor MP Jerome Laxale has led support for the campaign in Labor’s federal caucus..'

'Master Builders Australia has thrown support behind the Minerals Council of Australia “Hands Off our Fuel” campaign'

'Attempts to safeguard the rebate come amid a push by Labor’s rank and file to overhaul the scheme and impose an annual cap of $50m on fuel credits for major mining companies when delegates meet at the 50th ALP conference in Adelaide.'

Non-mining businesses would not be affected under the proposal.

'MBA chief executive Denita Wawn told The Australian it was “not the time” to reduce incentives for building homes by making fuel more expensive.'

'The scheme refunds fuel excise paid by mining and agricultural businesses operating off public roads, but it has been targeted as a “fossil fuel subsidy”. '

'A campaign launched in February by the Labor Environmental Action Network, the party’s ­largest membership group, has pushed for the $50m cap to redirect savings to decarbonisation projects. Bennelong Labor MP Jerome Laxale has led support for the campaign in Labor’s federal caucus as the Greens’ eye the rebate after attempts to introduce a 25 per cent “gas tax” were shut down. '

'LEAN co-convener Louise Crawford said ...“Far from making fuel more ­expensive, if the 18 companies ­affected used less fuel because they had a greater incentive to electrify their operations, that would free up significant quantities of fuel for the rest of the market, potentially easing future supply concerns,” she said.'

LEAN NT - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN NSW - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Central Coast
LEAN Townsville - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN VictoriaLEAN Qld - Labor Environment Action NetworkLabor Environment Action Network SALEAN Tasmania - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Capital Region - Labor Environment Action Network Jerome Laxale MP

28/06/2026

We have a national EPA at last!

💚💚💚 LEAN is celebrating the Launch of Australia's first National EPA! 💚💚💚

LEAN has campaigned for the delivery of new Environment Laws with TEETH for over a decade and fought hard for the delivery of an independent National Environmental Protection Agency!

So it was great to have our Capital region team in Canberra to help celebrate the Launch of the agency with federal minister for the environment, Senator Murray Watt, Andrew Leigh MP Alicia Payne MP, David Smith MP, and ACT Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water Suzanne OrrMP.

Great work and thanks to the many, many people who campaigned with us and worked hard to deliver this momentous achievement!

Anthony AlbaneseTanya PlibersekMark Butler MPBill Shorten Australian Labor Party LEAN NSW - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Central CoastLEAN Qld - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Tasmania - Labor Environment Action Network@topfansLEAN VictoriaLEAN Townsville - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN NT - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN - Sunshine Coast & Wide BayLEAN NSW South CoastLEAN North Coast

27/06/2026

A very necessary repost.

Just going to repost this here, with a reminder that LEAN's proposal to fix the Diesel Fuel Tax rebate WOULD NOT AFFECT FARMERS:
Opinion from Simon Wallwork - a grain and livestock producer in Corrigin, Western Australia, and chair of AgZero - The Western Australian Thu, 14 May 2026:
"The federal budget has come and gone. And predictably, the fuel tax credits scheme sailed through untouched - with farmers still being lumped in with the mining companies as if we’re natural allies deffending the same interests.
We’re not."
"This reform wouldn't have touched agriculture. And here's the kicker - some of these mining companies can already operate at 80-95% renewable energy. They're choosing to delay electrification while collecting tax credits, not because alternatives don't exist."
"Farmers are experiencing the sharpe end of climate change.
Here in Corrigan over the past two decades we've seen a 15% reduction in growing season rainfall, more severe frosts, and more seasonable variability. We adapt because we have to. Meanwhile coal mining operations alone receive more than $1 billion annually through fuel tax credits while extracting and selling the very product contributing to these changes."

LEAN WA - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN NSW - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN NT - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Townsville - Labor Environment Action NetworkLEAN Tasmania - Labor Environment Action Network LEAN Qld - Labor Environment Action NetworkLabor Environment Action Network SALEAN Victoria