Koala wars: NSW Liberal MP condemns native logging after environment minister refuses to publicly back government bill

James Griffin repeatedly asked in parliament about controversial proposal, which Labor will oppose

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Division is emerging within the New South Wales Coalition over a Nationals bill to make it easier for landowners to destroy koala habitat, with the environment minister, James Griffin, refusing to publicly support the proposal and a Liberal colleague condemning native forestry logging.

The proposed law - introduced to parliament this week by the agriculture minister, Dugald Saunders - would strip councils of their powers to regulate native forestry operations on private land.

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