The Australian Greens say Tony Abbott is trying to burn up important protections in his so-called regulation bonfire.

"When Tony Abbott has a bonfire of regulations he hides his true agenda in the smoke," Greens Leader Christine Milne said.

"The Prime Minister's rhetoric on this repeal day is all about storytelling and hiding help for his mates. Many of these changes are routine review of redundant regulations, but there are some very bitter pills.

The Australian Greens are calling to halt unconventional gas extraction right across the country after the contamination of groundwater from Santos' operation in north-western NSW.

"20 times the safe limit of uranium in the water there. That's a shocking finding that demonstrates the extreme danger to communities posed by coal seam gas extraction," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The community has been told endlessly that there will be no contamination of aquifers, but now there is proof.

Senator WRIGHT (South Australia) (10:07):  I too rise to speak on the Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013, and to highlight the fact that this bill is being rushed through the parliament without the necessary due diligence.

The Abbott government has turned its back on saving the Tassie devil with proposed changes to federal environmental law announced today, Greens Leader Christine Milne said today.

"Federal law requires the Environment Minister to consider advice about how to protect threatened plants and animals when deciding to approve projects," Senator Milne said.

"Under these changes the minister would be able to approve mines in the Tarkine, and other areas of the state, without considering a key piece of expert advice on what the devil and other threatened species need to survive.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler's decision on the proposed Venture Minerals open-cut mine in the Tarkine is a political ploy in a marginal electorate on the first day of a Federal election.

"Minister Butler was always going to make the decision he made today for the same political reasons Tony Burke shocked the country by ignoring the Australian Heritage Councils recommendations to protect the Tarkine earlier this year," said Senator Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler should be spending time in Tasmania talking to experts on the endangered species under threat by Tarkine mine proposals.

"The failure of Minister Butler's predecessor to fully consider official conservation advice on endangered species was the basis of the court decision against Shree's proposed mine at Nelson Bay River," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Tourism Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said yesterday’s Federal Court decision on the proposed Nelson Bay River mine was a win for the long-term prospects of the tourism industry in the northwest.

Senator Whish-Wilson is today participating in the Northwest Tourism Forum in Stanley where the attendees heard from a wide range of speakers including legendary naturalist Terri Irwin.

Minister Mark Butler's comments on the review of the Shree Minerals Tarkine decision this morning suggest it will be all show and no substance, Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.

"Minister Butler says he will meet with groups and individuals brought together by local member and avowed pro-mining advocate Sid Sidebottom," Senator Milne said.

"While meeting with local groups is part of his job, Minister Butler should also be meeting with tourism operators and producers who rely on the clean, green Tasmanian brand.

Western Australia’s iconic Ningaloo Reef is at risk from a plan by Apache Energy to drill within 1km of the World Heritage site, the Greens warned today. 

Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam said Ningaloo’s enormous environmental and tourism value must not be jeopardised by reckless industrialisation.