The federal government is rewriting Australia’s environment laws, as part of their commitment to 'no new extinctions'.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance for us to ensure our laws actually protect and restore nature.
The ultimate test of success for these reforms will be halting and reversing the decline of nature in Australia by 2030 and ending new species extinctions, in line with the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Unfortunately we’re in a place where everyday Aussies need to campaign for stronger protections for nature, in part because industry groups are lobbying to weaken them. We needed to be louder than industry.
That's why we're asking you to sign the petition to advocate that our national environment laws actually protect nature.
We are calling on the federal government for new nature laws that deliver
- A new framework for nature protection with strong and legally enforceable National Environmental Standards
- An independent and well-funded referee - Australia's first national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Protection of threatened species and their habitat.
While it is vital that the government deliver on these areas, it is critical the full suite of laws recommended in the Graeme Samuel Review are adopted.
Importantly, the laws must respect and acknowledge the knowledge and aspirations of Australia's First Nations and include a mechanism to consider climate impacts.