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Coalition Announces Modernisation of Australia's EPBC Act

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 5:51 GMT by The West Australian

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Coalition to Back Environment Law Overhaul, Says Minister Sussan Ley

The Australian government is set to re‑write one of the country’s most important environmental statutes, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), after a recent announcement by Liberal MP and Minister for the Environment, Energy and the Arts, Sussan Ley. The overhaul, which the coalition claims will include “some changes”, is aimed at modernising the Act to reflect scientific advances, streamline processes for approvals, and reinforce protections for biodiversity, wetlands, and forests.

The Core of the Proposal

Ley explained that the EPBC Act “has worked well for many years, but it was written at a time when we were not yet dealing with the full scale of climate change, biodiversity loss or the complex interplay between development and conservation.” She said the coalition will therefore introduce a set of reforms that would “tighten safeguards for ecosystems while still allowing projects that meet stringent environmental standards to move forward efficiently”.

Key elements of the proposed changes, as outlined by Ley, include:

• Streamlining the approval process – A new “fast‑track” pathway for projects that are determined to have a negligible environmental impact. The process will be designed to reduce administrative time without compromising scientific scrutiny.
• Expanded protection for wetlands and marine habitats – The Act will introduce clearer guidelines for the management of wetlands and coastlines, including new categories of protected areas that were previously omitted.
• Greater emphasis on climate resilience – Projects will be required to include climate adaptation plans, and the Act will be amended to make it easier for government agencies to assess climate‑related risks.
• Strengthened species protection – The changes will reinforce the list of protected species and include tighter penalties for non‑compliance.
• Improved stakeholder engagement – The overhaul will mandate regular consultation with Indigenous communities and local governments to ensure that their voices are considered in decision‑making.

Ley also emphasized that the coalition would preserve the core mission of the EPBC Act: to protect “biodiversity, cultural heritage and natural landscapes that are of national significance.”

Political Context

The announcement follows a broader debate within Australian politics about the direction of the country’s environmental policy. Labor’s current plan to overhaul the EPBC Act has been criticised for being too permissive on development. In contrast, the opposition has suggested that the Act should be scrapped entirely, citing its bureaucratic nature. Ley’s statement aims to strike a middle ground – it promises a modernised law but keeps the spirit of protection that has long underpinned the country’s environmental governance.

The government’s move comes as Australia continues to grapple with its 2050 net‑zero target and the need to implement a “green transition” that balances economic growth and environmental stewardship. Ley said that the updated Act would better support the coalition’s broader climate agenda, including a “zero‑emissions future” that still allows for the development of renewable energy projects, infrastructure, and agricultural expansion.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Environmental groups have mixed feelings about the reforms. While they applaud the commitment to “strengthen protections for wetlands and biodiversity,” they argue that the fast‑track process could still allow harmful projects to proceed. “We need more transparency and a stronger science‑based review process,” said a spokesperson for the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Conversely, business associations welcomed the changes, arguing that a more predictable and efficient regulatory framework will help the construction, mining, and agriculture sectors. “This is a win for the economy and the environment,” said the Australian Industry Group’s chief economist.

The Australian Labor Party’s climate portfolio spokesperson, Linda Bates, declined to comment on the announcement, but a senior party member noted that the coalition’s plan “does not address the systemic issues that have plagued the EPBC Act for decades.”

Legislative Path Forward

Ley confirmed that the overhaul will go through the usual legislative process, involving an initial parliamentary review, followed by consultation with a range of stakeholders, including scientists, Indigenous leaders, and industry representatives. The government plans to release a detailed consultation paper in the coming weeks.

Once the proposal is tabled in Parliament, it will likely face scrutiny from the Senate’s Environment and Communications References Committee. If approved, the changes could come into force within a year, depending on the legislative timetable and the outcome of the parliamentary review.

Broader Implications

The EPBC Act has long been a central piece of Australia’s environmental law. Over its 25‑year history, it has been used to protect everything from the Great Barrier Reef to the endangered Leadbeater’s possum. The coalition’s proposal to overhaul the Act comes at a time when global attention is focused on climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for resilient ecosystems.

The changes could help Australia meet its international commitments under the Paris Agreement, by ensuring that national laws are aligned with scientific research and best practice. Moreover, by streamlining approvals for projects that have a low environmental footprint, the government aims to support the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar farms and wind turbines, which are seen as critical to meeting net‑zero targets.

Conclusion

Minister Sussan Ley’s announcement signals a significant shift in the Australian government’s approach to environmental regulation. By proposing a modernised EPBC Act that balances protection with practical efficiency, the coalition seeks to address longstanding criticism of the law while keeping its core mission intact. Whether the reforms will satisfy both environmental advocates and industry stakeholders remains to be seen, but the move marks a notable step toward a more coherent and forward‑looking environmental policy framework in Australia.