You may have heard that the Albanese Government is eager to have the reforms to federal environment laws passed as quickly as possible. While the due date for submissions to the Senate Inquiry into the Bills is 5 December, we recommend getting submissions in as soon as you can to have the best chance of […]
This updated analysis assesses how the EPBC Bills stack up against the Samuel Review recommendations; examines the newly released national standard for matters of national environmental significance; and identifies key issues that need to be addressed in the Senate and inquiry to ensure the amendment package delivers for nature, community and climate. What happened in […]
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). […]
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 […]
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
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