Why Climate Triggers Are Excluded from Nature Law Reforms: Implications and Insights

Poppy Johnston | October 7, 2025

Australia’s environmental laws are getting a makeover, but one significant change won’t happen: the addition of a climate trigger. The federal environment minister, Murray Watt, confirmed this recently.

In a discussion with senators, Watt was firm about not including assessments for climate impacts under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Previously, he hinted that it was unlikely but hadn’t made a final call. Now, he’s clear: there will be no climate trigger.

This decision came despite requests from environmental groups and the Greens. Watt explained that a climate trigger would require noting climate change effects as a matter of national environmental significance.

Australia’s nature laws aim to protect significant ecosystems and wildlife, but feedback from the Samuel review pointed out their flaws. The review called the laws outdated and ineffective. Reform has been discussed but faces challenges.

As lawmakers draft the new EPBC Act, Watt indicated that the government might follow the Samuel review’s suggestion, which does not seek a trigger for climate matters. Instead, it requires project developers to reveal emissions and provide a plan for reducing them.

Watt believes that existing mechanisms, like the safeguard policy, already manage emissions from major polluters, making a climate trigger unnecessary. However, various environmental groups stress that climate change threatens vital wildlife and ecosystems, urging that federal laws adapt accordingly.

Watt plans to present new EPBC legislation to parliament by the end of 2025. This quick timeline aims to streamline approvals for clean energy and housing projects. The government will need support from either the Greens or the coalition to pass these laws, but no agreement has been reached yet.

The previous minister, Tanya Plibersek, nearly formed a deal for a federal environmental agency as part of these reforms, but it fell apart after negotiations between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and West Australian Premier Roger Cook.

Efforts are underway to enhance regional planning processes to determine areas suitable for development and those that should be preserved. Officials from the Department of Climate Change are collaborating on eight pilot plans across several states, including Queensland and New South Wales.

As we see policymakers wrestle with balancing development and environmental protection, public opinion is mixed. Many citizens express concern over climate impacts, while others prioritize economic growth. These discussions are crucial as the nation navigates its future.

For more information on Australia’s environmental policies, you can explore reports from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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