For the first time, Australia's forests will be covered by national nature protection laws, with legislation going to the Senate today.
"This new law means genuine progress for nature protection in Australia," said Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy.
"This will give our forests, which are home to unique Australian wildlife like the koala and greater glider, a fighting chance.
"ACF welcomes the wider protection for forests, the introduction of a national EPA and the removal of the possibility that coal and gas projects will be fast tracked.
"Exemptions and loopholes that have facilitated the destruction of forests have been a shameful feature of this law for quarter of a century. Today, those loopholes will be closed.
"A well-resourced, independent watchdog will be able to make the best science-based decisions for nature and people.
"ACF commends the Albanese government and the Greens for working together to strengthen nature protection in Australia.
"ACF has advocated for reforms to close deforestation loopholes, set clear, strong rules for nature protection, establish an independent EPA to provide accountable and expertise-based decision making, and address climate harm in all decisions.
"Climate remains the biggest missing piece. Climate change is a major driver of environmental destruction – just look at the devastating coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo and the algal bloom in South Australia.
"Our national nature law should not turn a blind eye to climate damage and we will not stop campaigning on this.
"We now need to see the final bills to make sure ministerial powers can't be used to undermine nature protections, decision-making stays at the national level and First Nations and community consultation rights are protected.
"There must also be limits on when the Restoration Contributions Fund can be used to meet offsets and the net gain test.
"The government has put forward a package it says will protect nature. The onus is now on the government to make sure it does.
"When nature suffers, people suffer. This is a re-set. The government now has the responsibility to use this law to protect forests, wildlife and people and say no to new coal and gas."
