Our federal environment laws (called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, or EPBC) were created in the 1990s when John Howard was prime minister. They were never designed to really protect land and water from development and thousands of destructive projects have been approved under this legislation.
Federal Labor went to the last election with a promise to fix our broken nature laws. Now they need to deliver. After years of delays, the federal ALP has now introduced new nature laws to Parliament. But they’re not good enough and will fail to protect nature.
It is essential that these weak laws not be passed in their current form. The federal government needs to work with The Greens to deliver strong laws.
They must be strengthened so they do protect the ecosystems that we love and rely on. To have the legislation adopted by parliament the government needs support from either The Greens or the Coalition. Fresh after their announcement that they will walk away from net zero commitments, it is very difficult to believe that any legislation signed by the Liberals and Nationals will be good for protecting nature.
It is essential that the federal ALP work with The Greens to strengthen and deliver the proposed laws.
Parliament will debate on Labor’s proposed nature laws in the coming weeks so please take action now.
Take action
1/ SIGN THIS LETTER to the federal environment minister Murray Watt
2/ SPEAK UP on social media
Download one of the tiles on this page (or make your own, with a similar message) and share on your social media accounts with a message to your federal MP and Environment Minister Murray Watt.
Tag the Environment Minister
- Instagram - @MurrayPWatt
- Twitter - @MurrayWatt
- Facebook - Murray Watt - Senator for Queensland
- LinkedIn - Murray Watt
Sample messages
- We need strong new nature laws that protect forests and wildlife
- You must protect threatened species before it's too late
- This is your chance to introduce strong new laws that will protect nature for future generations
3/CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FEDERAL MP
You can find your local federal House of Reps MP here.
It would be great if you would contact your MP if they represent the ALP.
4/ GET ACTIVE
Around the country environment groups are organising actions and events. Check your local green group or Conservation Council for details, get involved, and invite your friends.
5/ WRITE A SUBMISSION
There will be a new opportunity to make a submission on the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 shortly (with submissions open until December 5). Check back here soon to find suggested ideas on what to include in your submission.
If we can convince the government to strengthen and then deliver new nature laws, Australia will benefit for decades to come.