Australia lacks strong enough rules for those who break environmental laws, with pressure mounting on the nation to clamp down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Environment Minister Murray Watt wants a federal watchdog to enforce the laws and interrogate project approvals.
"Most people acknowledge there isn't a strong enough approach to those who break our environmental laws and don't comply with the conditions of their approvals," told Sky News on Sunday.
"Having a tough cop on the beat, like a federal EPA, will enable that to happen."
Labor has gone to two federal elections promising to establish a national Environment Protection Authority, but iced plans during its last term in office following industry backlash.
Asked if the minister, not the agency, would have the final say on projects, Senator Watt said it was too early to express a final view.
He said Australia was still fighting to co-host the United Nations climate change conference with Pacific nations in 2026.
While Turkey was yet to withdraw its bid, Senator Watt said "Australia has huge support ... and we're going to keep fighting to host it".
Opposition frontbencher Julian Leeser said he wanted the coalition to adopt a target that reduced emissions after the Liberal Party's wide-ranging, post-election review.
"Out of the process, I want to see a target that reduces emissions," he told the ABC's Insiders.
"I want to see a policy that reduces prices, because Australian businesses and families are struggling, and I want to see something that increases reliability so our economy can grow."
The coalition is heading for a showdown over Australia's target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with opposition MPs and senators divided on the key climate policy.
Nationals leader David Littleproud fended off a challenge to his leadership earlier this year over discontent within his party over its commitment to the target.
Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres has urged the federal government to adopt a 75 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035.
The ambitious goal would help Australia's efforts to secure the 2026 UN climate summit, she said.
