In late 2023, EDO filed proceedings in the Federal Court on behalf of the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN). MLDRIN challenged a decision of the former Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek to accredit the Fractured Rock Water Resource Plan (WRP). MLDRIN also challenged the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s recommendation that the Minister accredit […]
Read More… from EDO Case note: Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations v Commonwealth
On October 30, Bills were introduced into the House of Representatives to reform the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), create a National Environment Protection Agency and establish a charges and cost recovery framework. In total, seven Bills have been introduced as part of the government’s reform package, with the three key reform […]
Read More… from EPBC Act reforms make it to parliament – EDO’s first impressions
Positive elements contained in the EPBC Act reform bills [1], introduced to parliament today, are undermined by extensive exemptions and opportunities for ministerial discretion, according to Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) analysis. “This reform moment must be about fixing the failures of the past,” said EDO Managing Lawyer (Policy and Law Reform) Revel Pointon. “There are positive […]
Read More… from Long-awaited EPBC reforms fall short of fixing a failing Act
On 10 September 2025, the State Development Bill 2025 (WA) (the Bill) was introduced into the WA Parliament.1 The Bill proposes significant changes to the existing approach to the approval of major projects and the application of WA’s environment laws. There have been no known consultations with the public, experts or environmental groups throughout the […]
Read More… from Anti-democratic WA bill threatens nature and community rights
Where the EPBC Act reforms are up to and what is needed to address Australia’s environmental crisis. Australia’s national environment law — the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) — is back on the table for reform. Environment Minister Murray Watt is moving quickly, and has committed to introducing, and possibly […]
Read More… from A critical moment for our national nature laws
The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 was passed with amendments by the NSW Legislative Assembly on Thursday 16 October 2025. It has now been introduced into the Legislative Council and debate on the Bill is expected to continue in the NSW Legislative Council next week (commencing Tuesday 21 October). […]
Read More… from Update on NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025
By Revel Pointon, Managing Lawyer, Policy and Law Reform The Australian Government has just released its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, being 62%-70% emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2035. The Nationally Determined Contribution sets out the country’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Every five […]
Read More… from Briefing Note: Australia’s new emissions target falls short of Australia’s international obligations and what the science says is needed
Aluminium giant Alcoa misled the public through an advertisement earlier this year that claimed it had rehabilitated forests it destroyed for bauxite mining, the advertising standards regulator has found. Ad Standards Australia concluded: “…the overall impression created by the advertisement was inaccurate and likely to mislead or deceive target consumers. “… the Panel considered that […]
Read More… from Alcoa’s misleading forest rehabilitation claims breached advertising standards
We work with you and the law to protect wildlife, culture, community and climate. Our legal resources are designed to help you understand how the law applies to the environment and empower you to take action. What we do Protect Country and culture Protect habitats and wildlife Tackle climate change Sustainable water sharing Promote healthy […]
Read More… from Home
On behalf of local community groups Western Australia Forest Alliance, the Conservation Council of Western Australia and The Wilderness Society, EDO has reported US mining giant Alcoa to Ad Standards Australia and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. Alcoa placed two advertisements in the West Australian newspaper in May and June 2025 with claims […]
Read More… from US mining giant Alcoa reported for alleged misleading or deceptive conduct
