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The secret ‘jobs for mates’ report Labor won’t release

Nov 1, 2025 •

Murray Watt has talked a big game about fixing our environment laws by the end of the year.

But this week, the government’s attempt to do that fell apart – with the crossbench and Coalition senators refusing to back the changes.

At the same time, Labor faced a dramatic revolt in the Senate over its refusal to release a secret report meant to fix the culture of cronyism – and jobs for mates.

Having campaigned on restoring integrity to government, Labor is now facing a Senate demanding it live up to that promise.

Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton, on why it’s so hard to fix our environment laws – and whether the government’s hubris is getting in the way of its promise for greater transparency.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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The secret ‘jobs for mates’ report Labor won’t release

1711 • Nov 1, 2025

The secret ‘jobs for mates’ report Labor won’t release

Murray Watt has talked a big game about fixing our environment laws by the end of the year.

But this week, the government’s attempt to do that fell apart – with the crossbench and Coalition senators refusing to back the changes.

At the same time, Labor faced a dramatic revolt in the Senate over its refusal to release a secret report meant to fix the culture of cronyism – and jobs for mates.

Having campaigned on restoring integrity to government, Labor is now facing a Senate demanding it live up to that promise.

Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton, on why it’s so hard to fix our environment laws – and whether the government’s hubris is getting in the way of its promise for greater transparency.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Ruby Jones, Sarah McVeigh, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1711: The secret ‘jobs for mates’ report Labor won’t release