Australia is home to breathtaking coastlines, unique wildlife, ancient forests and vibrant coral reefs – places we love and depend on. But while our landscapes and seascapes are iconic, our nature laws are not.
Australia holds a global record no one wants: the highest number of mammal extinctions since colonisation. From turtles to koalas, our native wildlife and habitats are under pressure from global warming, land clearing, invasive species and pollution. Destruction is happening faster than recovery – and our outdated laws aren’t stopping it.
Our oceans are crying out for urgent protection. From the mass bleaching of our great reefs from west to east and marine heatwaves in the south, to species such as the Maugean skate being on the brink of extinction, marine life is suffering. Strong laws can turn the tide and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix our nature laws.
Our nature laws are meant to protect us – but they’re outdated and ineffective.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is supposed to provide legal protection for Australia’s unique marine habitats and species – from giant kelp marine forests and Australian sea lions to World Heritage treasures, such as Ningaloo, the Great Barrier Reef and the Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone.
But these laws are outdated, full of loopholes, poorly enforced and failing not only to protect and recover habitats and species, but also to prevent harm before it happens.
Without strong laws, business as usual means more destruction.
What needs to change
We are urgently calling on the Australian government to introduce strong national environment laws, that:
Set strong, clear and enforceable National Environmental Standards to stop destruction before it starts.
Properly fund habitat restoration and species recovery.
Create an independent Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the rules and take the politics out of decisions.
Close the loopholes that allow big polluters to dodge responsibility.
Protecting nature is about protecting our way of life
Healthy nature means healthy communities – clean air and water, thriving oceans, secure regional jobs and resilient coastlines. Strong nature laws are a safety net for the places, species and lifestyles we value most.
This is our chance to fix the system, before more damage is locked in. Strong laws that actually protect nature are achievable – but only if we speak up now.
Take Action.
If you love it, help save it. Speak up for strong laws that stop nature destruction with an independent regulator to enforce them.
AMCS is calling for stronger nature laws as a member of The Places You Love Alliance. Collectively, we represent 1.5 million Australians who love nature and want to save it.
