Anthony Albanese denies ‘rift’ with Tanya Plibersek after dramatic federal EPA intervention

Anthony Albanese denies there is rift between himself and Tanya Plibersek after he spiked her federal EPA deal — a decision he claims wasn’t about heading off a political backlash in WA.

The relationship between the long-time internal rivals is under fresh scrutiny after the Prime Minister last week scuttled an agreement Ms Plibersek reached with the Greens to create the nature watchdog.

The decision upset some Labor MPs, infuriated pro-environment Labor members and robbed Ms Plibersek of the chance to deliver Labor’s major election commitment in the portfolio.

Asked on Monday if he could “categorically deny” a rift with his high-profile environment minister, Mr Albanese told ABC radio: “Absolutely”.

He then criticised the media for focusing so heavily on one of the only Government bills that didn’t pass during a flurry of activity in Parliament’s final sitting week of the year, which saw 45 pieces of legislation rammed through in just four days.

The Prime Minister on Sunday maintained he advised Ms Plibersek the agreement was off before informing the Greens, rejecting suggestions he killed the deal behind her back.

The Australian on Monday reported tensions between Mr Albanese and Ms Plibersek are set to flare again over the controversial issue of salmon farming in Tasmania – another Federal election battleground state.

Mr Albanese stepped in to shut down the EPA deal last Tuesday amid lobbying from WA Premier Roger Cook and mining and business groups, which feared the nature watchdog would devastate the State’s economy.

WA handed Labor majority Government at the 2022 election and the State will be decisive at the next poll, due in May.

Mr Albanese rejected suggestion he intervened to appease Mr Cook or to prevent a political backlash in WA.

“Now, this isn’t about politics, it’s about getting it right,” he said.

“And we won’t support measures that don’t get it right.

“We want to support industry to be able to operate effectively, but also to operate in a sustainable way. And so that’s our focus. We didn’t have that agreement, so it was put aside.”

Mr Albanese on Sunday insisted he remained committed to the federal EPA - the second pillar of the Nature Positive Plan - but only if it can be passed on Labor’s terms.