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Significant backwards step on key draft EPBC Standard must be addressed

The updated draft of the National Environmental Standard for Matters of National Environmental Significance (draft MNES Standard) has been released for public comment.   See the consultation page here for more information and to read the updated documents, being the:   Submissions are due by 11.59pm, 29 May 2026   The MNES Standard is one of the most important of the National Environmental Standards recommended by Professor Graeme Samuel […]

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Senate Inquiry table Final Report on EPBC Bills 

 The Senate Committee Inquiry into the Bills reforming federal environment laws has released its final report, available here.     The Inquiry by the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications (Committee) into the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and six related bills (the Bills) reforming the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) framework commenced in October 2025, upon the Bills being introduced to parliament.   The Albanese Government rushed […]

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Information wars: Combatting climate misinformation and disinformation

A critical emerging area of accountability work concerns the rise of misinformation (false or inaccurate information that is shared without the intent to deceive) and disinformation (false information created or shared to mislead, deceive, or manipulate).   The production and dissemination of false or misleading information about climate change and the impacts of fossil fuels undermine public trust in climate science, delay policy […]

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International Women’s Day 2026: Women leading the frontline of climate justice

Around the world, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Women make up 80% of the population displaced by climate change and extreme weather, and existing gender inequalities amplify the risks women face. It is also true that women are at the forefront of climate solutions — driving policy, leading community responses, and shaping the legal and scientific strategies that protect our […]

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Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review open for comment

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is currently under review, with opportunities for members of the public to participate in consultation. See the review website here and below for more information.   What is the Murray-Darling Basin Plan?   The Murray-Darling Basin Plan (Basin Plan) is the national framework that attempts to share water in the Murray-Darling Basin and make sure there is enough for rivers and wetlands. It was created in 2012 after […]

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Extraordinary use of “national interest” exemption undermines the rule of law and public trust  

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt’s decision to allow Alcoa to continue destroying Western Australia’s jarrah forest for another 18 months is a concerning extraordinary use of the “national interest” exemption under our federal environmental laws.   Minister Watt announced on Wednesday he had “granted a national‑interest exemption to Alcoa allowing for limited land clearing to continue its mining operations for a period of 18 […]

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Public appeals against Valhalla fracking plan close soon

The WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended approval of the Valhalla Gas Exploration Appraisal Program, a major fracking project that could result in 20 exploration and appraisal wells being drilled in the Canning Basin in the state’s northwest.  The EPA’s report is open for a public appeal period, which closes on 10 February 2026.   This […]

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Greenwashing complaint lodged against Bunnings over timber supply claims

The Wilderness Society (TWS) has asked the national consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), to investigate whether hardware giant Bunnings has made false or misleading environmental claims about the timber it sells.  TWS alleges in a letter to the ACCC prepared by EDO [1] that Bunnings may have made—and may be continuing to make—misleading and/or false representations to consumers about its timber […]

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Two National Environmental Standards now open for comment – Have your say! 

Strong National Environmental Standards are the backbone of a reformed EPBC Act, according to the recommendations from the latest independent review of Australia’s federal environment laws by Professor Graeme Samuel (Samuel Review).   Have Your Say on critical environmental protection requirements  The federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is accepting submissions on two draft Standards now until 5pm 30 January 2025.   […]

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EPBC Act reforms have passed! 10 next steps to ensure stronger federal environment laws

The reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) have now passed, with Royal Assent being given on 1 December 2025. But there is still significant work to do to ensure the new framework is as strong as possible: A suite of National Environmental Standards needs to be drafted, regulatory […]

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Authorised by Joanna Shulman, Environmental Defenders Office Ltd, Suite 8.02 Level 8, 6 O’Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000 • ABN: 72 002 880 864

Postal Address:
PO Box R1105 Royal Exchange NSW 1225

EDO recognises the traditional owners and custodians of the land, seas and rivers of Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past and present, and aspire to learn from traditional knowledge and customs so that, together, we can protect our environment and cultural heritage through law.