The Federal Government’s proposed new nature laws (the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and six related Bills), have now been passed by Parliament.

Conservation Council of WA views the revised Environment Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act as a missed opportunity by the Albanese Labor Government to enshrine robust new laws to properly consider climate impacts and protect nature.

The government undertook limited consultation to inform new national nature laws, and substantial concerns remain about the process. 

These Bills were rushed through in the last sitting week of Parliament in 2025, despite a public inquiry into the reforms still running. 

The public inquiry is open and invites submissions, giving individuals and organisations the opportunity to share their views.

Having your say is one of the most powerful ways to show decision-makers that Western Australians want strong laws that actually protect nature.

Even though the Bills have now been passed, the inquiry Committee can still play an important role in making recommendations for further changes and we encourage you to make a submission as soon as you can to ensure your views and perspectives are on the public record.

Submissions close Friday 5 December.

Note: The Senate was able to consider, debate, and vote on the Bills even though an inquiry is still in progress. The inquiry is expected to produce a report with findings and recommendations by 24 March 2026, to which the government is required to respond. Regardless of the report’s final outcome, the longer fight to protect nature continues. Learn more about the plan to bring nature back from the brink in Western Australia.