A landmark High Court ruling has delivered a major blow to Australia’s coal industry by overturning state approval for a controversial mine expansion, potentially halting operations until 2048. The decision, seen as a pivotal moment in the nation’s climate efforts, aligns with growing legal challenges against fossil fuel projects amid political divisions over environmental policy. While the prime minister has publicly emphasized climate action abroad, domestic opposition to such projects—including this one—highlights persistent tensions between economic interests and sustainability goals. The ruling could set a precedent for future cases targeting coal developments, reshaping Australia’s energy landscape.
It isn’t hard to see a contradiction between the PM’s message in Fiji and his opposition to legal action to stop a NSW coalmineGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastThere are unlikely to be many bigger moments in Australian action on the climate crisis this year than a judgment by the high court on Wednesday.In what is likely to prove a historic victory, the court sided with community members in the Hunter Valley to strike down a state regulator’s approval of a massive coalmine expansion that could have kept it operating until 2048.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...
