WWF-Australia has warned the draft National Environmental Standard released today won't deliver for nature.
The federal government released its revised National Environmental Standard for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) for public consultation as part of its nature law reforms.
"This is weaker for nature than the version put out for consultation late last year," said Nicole Forrester, Chief Regenerative Officer, WWF-Australia.
"It is also further removed from the clear, measurable standards Graeme Samuel recommended in his review of the EPBC Act.
"It adds little clarity to what is already in the Act. It will do very little to protect nature.
"WWF welcomed the reforms but we always said they will rely on clear, strong standards and other tools to ensure they deliver for nature. Weaker standards are a missed opportunity to help nature regenerate."
Ms Forrester said the objectives for threatened species, threatened ecological communities and migratory species have all been weakened and narrowed in the revised draft standard, which no longer aims to protect their habitat.
"Minister Watt promised standards that will 'deliver improved environmental outcomes'. This draft standard does not deliver on this promise," said Ms Forrester.
"WWF urges the government to listen to feedback and deliver for our wildlife and wild places.
"We have a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to fix our broken nature laws. Future generations will judge this government on what it does next."
The revised Standard is open for public feedback until 29 May.
