The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has urged the Albanese Government to strengthen its national nature bills so that they protect forests and stop Australia's bush being bulldozed.
"In their current form, these bills do not protect nature. They're not good enough," Dr Paul Sinclair, ACF's Acting CEO, said.
"Australians expect rules that stop deforestation, make sure climate change impacts on nature are considered in every major decision, and ensure an independent regulator can hold powerful vested interests to account. The government's bills do not yet pass those tests.
"Strong nature laws will create a strong Australia. Weak laws will put more valuable forests under a bulldozer, pollution into the atmosphere and destroy Australia's natural wealth."
The ACF urges the Parliament not to 'ram through' flawed legislation.
"A proper Senate inquiry is needed to ensure Australia's national nature law actually does what it says on the tin: protects nature."
The draft laws - due to be tabled this morning - include some important new rules that could benefit nature and a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supported by stronger penalties and better enforcement powers. But these must be underpinned by clear, consistent National Environmental Standards that set firm rules for what must be protected and restored.
"As it stands, this draft bill has too many loopholes that benefit big polluters and bulldozers. This is the biggest nature law reform in a generation, and Parliament has to get it right."
ACF is calling on the government to ensure the reforms:
Close loopholes that allow deforestation and habitat destruction to continue
Establish an independent regulator to enforce the rules without political interference
Set clear national standards to protect and restore nature, and
Require decision-makers to consider climate harm in every decision.
"We call on all Parliamentarians who love our precious and unique nature, who care about the people and industries who rely on it, and want a better future for our children to make sure this legislation truly delivers for the environment and a stronger, healthier Australia. The decisions you make in the coming weeks will resonate for generations."
Read the ACF Board's Position on EPBC Reform here.
