The Albanese government has opened a fresh flashpoint between environmental groups and the resources sector with the sudden introduction of a bill to create a so-called nature repair market, which some fear could be used to lock out miners and reduce pressure on Labor to directly fund nature conservation efforts.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek told parliament on Wednesday that the creation of a system of tradable biodiversity and nature repair “credits” that could be used to spur more investment in landscape rehabilitation would be a world first.