The minor party makes pledge as Labor faces calls to explain its nature policy and plans for a federal EPA

• Election 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaign
• Polls tracker; election guide; full federal election coverage
• Anywhere but Canberra; interactive electorates guide
• Listen to the first episode of our new narrative podcast series: Gina
• Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

The Greens have promised to push the government to boost environment spending to $7.8bn – 1% of the federal budget – next financial year if they hold the balance of power after the election.

The minor party made the pledge as Labor faced calls to explain its nature policy after Anthony Albanese promised he would establish a federal environment protection agency (EPA) if re-elected. The prime minister said it would not be the “same model” as one his government abandoned in this term of parliament after a backlash from Western Australia, but released no details.

Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter