Turning the Tide Newsletter – Spring 2024
National EPA
The establishment of Australia’s first national environment agency, Environment Protection Australia (EPA), has been announced and legislation has been introduced and is currently being debated in Parliament.
The proposal to establish an EPA, with strong new powers and penalties to better protect nature and an environmental data division, Environment Information Australia, is welcome. Parliament must now ensure they are strong and free from political interference.
While these are important steps, we must make sure the government does not to delay further much needed reforms. Our coasts, oceans and wildlife urgently need the full package of legislation introduced this term, so a new EPA can uphold and enforce effective laws.
The urgency and need for reform is clear. Our oceans are facing greater threats than ever before and an extinction crisis.
Failed Laws
The EPA on its own will not enable the government to meet its commitment to zero new extinctions. Nature can’t wait any longer for the full package of reforms that give our wildlife the protection it needs.
With species such as the Maugean skate and red handfish facing imminent extinction, it is clear that Australia’s current national environment laws, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, are failing nature.
