Environment groups, the ACT Liberals and the Greens are all urging the government against attempting to rush through a major overhaul of the territory's conservation law.
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Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell released an "exposure draft'' of a possible new Nature Conservation Bill in late October.
The draft includes new powers for the Environment Minister, changes to the role of the conservator of flora and fauna and impacts on planning laws.
Community groups and the public were given only six weeks to comment on the draft, which is 345 pages long.
Several groups, including the Conservation Council, asked for lengthy extensions of the consultation period.
The deadline was extended until early January but several groups were unaware of this due to the Christmas period.
Opposition environment spokeswoman Nicole Lawder said the draft should be sent to an Assembly committee so that it could be thoroughly examined.
"The best result from our perspective would be for it go to committee to give an opportunity for full scrutiny and discussion about the possible changes,'' Ms Lawder said.
Greens MLA and government minister Shane Rattenbury was also concerned about the consultation process.
"It is important to get this legislation right, and we need a transparent and consultative process to achieve this,'' Mr Rattenbury said.
"Timing needs to be clarified and submissions must be made public in order to determine what legislative changes need to be made and whether or not the committee is the best approach."
Conservation Council executive director Clare Henderson said more time was needed for interested parties to provide input.
"We would like a process that facilitates tri-partisan support on this legislation as well as agreement of major stakeholders,'' she said.
Mr Corbell said there had been sufficient time for people to comment.
"The deadline for submissions had already been extended, with submissions accepted until January 8,'' Mr Corbell said. "Most of the submissions received were minor and technical in nature and I do not believe an Assembly committee inquiry is warranted.''