Why Australian Governments Prioritize Dollars Over Environmental Protection: An Urgent Call for Change

In February, I traveled to Narrabri, a small town 500 km north-west of Sydney, to attend the Biodiversity Offsets conference. This area is near the Leard State Forest, known for its endangered White Box-Gum woodland, and is surrounded by major coal mines operated by Whitehaven and Idemitsu.

A decade ago, local Indigenous people, farmers, and environmental activists worked hard to oppose these coal mines. Since then, they have kept a watchful eye on the mining companies and the government, reporting numerous breaches of approved mining conditions. Sadly, state authorities have been slow to respond.

The conference kicked off with a screening of "Black Hole," a documentary about the fight to protect the Leard State Forest. The film showcases one of Australia’s longest protests, highlighting the determination and spirit of the activists. Their passion is inspiring, making the indifferent actions of the mining companies and government all the more frustrating.

One thing that struck me during the conference was the alarming amount of water the mines consume. Shocking stories from speakers made it clear that the current environmental policies are ineffective. However, the dedication of local environmental advocates is commendable. Speakers emphasized the need for responsible mining practices that consider the well-being of affected communities.

Mining history in Narrabri illustrates the failure of biodiversity offsets. These schemes are often poorly managed and have little real impact on protecting wildlife. The sad truth is that biodiversity offsets allow for environmental destruction instead of preservation. As I remarked during the conference, “It’s like polishing a turd”—a futile effort that ultimately leads to more damage.

Invertebrate Extinctions

Recently, I discussed the overlooked extinction of parasites and invertebrates. Surprisingly, over 95% of Australia’s animal species are invertebrates, yet they receive little public attention. Official records show that about 100 Australian species have gone extinct since 1788, but estimates suggest more than 9,000 invertebrate species have also disappeared during this time.

Invertebrates play key roles in our ecosystems, from soil maintenance to balancing food resources. Alarmingly, we are losing one to three invertebrate species each week due to habitat loss, invasive species, and pesticide use. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of even the most irritating insects in maintaining our environmental health.

Australia Hosting COP 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia’s bid to host COP 31 in 2026, seeking to promote our renewable energy efforts. However, there are concerns that this might turn into a publicity stunt rather than a genuine push for climate action.

Peter Dutton has criticized the idea, claiming it would be a waste of money. On the surface, arguments for hosting include boosting tourism and strengthening ties with Pacific Island nations. Yet, the focus should be on reducing emissions and combating climate change, not merely showcasing Australia’s image.

Australia is a significant fossil fuel producer, and some fear hosting COP could be another platform for fossil fuel interests rather than meaningful climate progress. Despite the potential for positive change, the reality remains that both major political parties are committed to continuing fossil fuel extraction.

To make the bid worthwhile, any Labor Government should commit to halting new fossil fuel projects, ending subsidies, and transitioning to cleaner energy. Pacific Island leaders may doubt Australia’s sincerity unless real changes occur.

Recent Amendments to the EPBC Act

Environmental groups were outraged recently as the government and opposition worked together to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, lowering environmental protections. This move sparked concerns about the future of Tasmania’s natural habitats, all for the sake of the salmon farming industry and local jobs.

Critics remind us of previous promises to strengthen the EPBC Act, which have since been sidelined. In 2020, Graeme Samuel’s independent review highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to fulfill Australia’s environmental responsibilities. Instead, the Act has been weakened, raising alarms among environmental advocates.

For anyone frustrated by current events, I recommend watching a short video I took during Easter. It features a stingray in Sydney Harbour, reminding us of the beauty and diversity in our ecosystems.

For further insights on the state of biodiversity in Australia, visit the Environmental Defenders Office’s analysis on the EPBC Act here.

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