Turning the Tide Newsletter – Summer 2025
Nature Needs Strong Laws
Australia’s current nature laws are weak, outdated and failing.
In 2022, the Australian Government announced plans to update the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) – for the first time in 20 years.
We’ve long been campaigning for strong national nature laws. These are crucial for protecting and restoring Australia’s diverse species and ecosystems like kelp and our endemic sharks and rays like the Maugean skate.
The Albanese Government has failed to deliver the reform package this term, leaving crucial environmental issues unaddressed. AMCS had been encouraging the government to work with the Senate crossbench to strengthen the legislation, and a deal was reportedly reached.
However in the final days of parliament, in the face of intense lobbying and opposition from powerful corporate interests and direct intervention from the WA Premier, the Prime Minister reneged and ruled out passing the
legislation.
The urgency is palpable, especially for species like the red handfish, giant kelp, and the Maugean skate.
Maugean skate: The Maugean skate is staring down the barrel of extinction, with only an estimated 4,100 remaining in the wild largely due to the failures of the EPBC Act. Salmon farming has decimated their habitat, poor water quality is suffocating them, and time is running out.
Red handfish: The red handfish is one of the rarest and most endangered fish in the world, found in just two small areas near Hobart. With a tiny population of 100 or so left in the wild, it’s crucial we protect this Critically Endangered fish.
Giant kelp: The Giant Kelp Marine Forests of South East Australia are a vital component of our marine ecosystem, providing critical habitats for many species and supporting the health of our oceans. Giant kelp forests are facing unprecedented threats, and urgent action is needed to protect these vital ecosystems.
Act For Nature
Help protect nature and demand strong environment law reform. Every day, species are pushed closer to the brink, and ecosystems are degraded beyond repair. Time is running out.