Climate Change: New Environmental Laws in Australia
The Australian government has recently updated its key environmental laws, marking a significant change in how environmental protection is handled. The overhaul of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) introduces new standards to better protect the environment.
Here are some essential highlights:
- The Environment Minister can now create and adjust legally binding National Environmental Standards. These standards guide decisions on projects affecting the environment.
- Projects must pass three new tests: they must align with the standards, avoid unacceptable impacts, and ensure a net gain for the environment.
- Any significant negative effects on the environment must be compensated.
- The EPBC Act won’t allow projects that threaten important environmental matters.
- Two assessment processes will be utilized for most projects, streamlining how they are reviewed.
- New bioregional plans will help in planning developments wisely.
- Stronger enforcement is coming through a new National Environmental Protection Agency.
- Proponents must now disclose their carbon emissions and actions to reduce them.
Some of these changes will start in December 2025, while others will phase in throughout 2026. Experts believe these reforms are crucial for enhancing environmental protection in Australia. According to a recent survey by the Australian Conservation Foundation, 68% of Australians support stricter environmental regulations.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), lawmakers passed the Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which updates several laws to align with federal changes. This Bill aims for better management of environmental resources while making regulations easier to follow. For example, it enables quicker incorporation of new standards without needing full legislative changes each time.
Western Australia is also on the move. The state has implemented a Climate Adaptation Strategy, backed by a $40 million fund to prepare communities for climate change. A recent report shows they are making progress on several actions, like improving public awareness and enhancing local infrastructure to withstand climate impacts.
Looking at Queensland, the government introduced the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) Amendment Bill. It seeks to streamline regulations and ensure they remain effective. This Bill proposes establishing codes for low-risk activities, which could simplify the approval process for many projects.
All these legislative changes illustrate a commitment to environmental stewardship across Australia. They show that protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development is a priority for the government and local authorities. These updates are expected to better align with public expectations and the needs of our changing climate.
For more details, check the original resources from the Australian Government’s Environment department here.
