Federal environment reforms

Setting the scene for major changes

The Australian Government is overhauling the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, with seven Bills introduced into Parliament on 30 October 2025. If passed, these reforms will be the most significant changes to federal environmental laws in over 25 years.

For businesses across all sectors including renewable energy, mining, oil and gas, construction, and real estate, these changes will have significant implications for project timelines, compliance obligations, and risk management.

Our Environment and Planning team is keeping a close watch on the development of the draft legislation. As the reforms progress, we’ll share our analysis and practical updates to help you navigate the potential impacts on your business and projects.

Media mention

Watt's hopes for swift passage of environment law overhaul dashed

Latest insights

<em>Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025</em>: Draft MNES and Offsets Standards open for public feedback

Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025: Draft MNES and Offsets Standards open for public feedback

Two draft National Environmental Standards have been released for public consultation: one for matters of national environmental significance (MNES Standard), the other for environmental offsets (Offsets Standard).

November 12, 2025

Federal environment reforms

Understanding the EPBC Act reforms: A practical guide

Australia’s long-awaited overhaul of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) took a major step forward yesterday, with the introduction of a package of reform bills to Parliament.

October 31, 2025

Federal environment reforms

EPBC Act reforms imminent: Setting the scene for major changes

For the second year in a row, environmental reforms are at the top of the national legislative agenda.

October 24, 2025

Federal environment reforms

The Nature Repair Market formally commences

With the making of the first methodology and related instruments under the Nature Repair Act 2023 (Nature Repair Act), being the Nature Repair (Replanting Native Forest and Woodland Ecosystems) Methodology Determination 2025 (Replanting Method), project proponents now have the ability to register biodiversity projects under the Nature Repair Market.

March 27, 2025

Carbon markets and emissions trading

Nature Positive Summit 2024

The world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit was held in Sydney, Australia from 8 to 10 October 2024.

October 15, 2024

Carbon markets and emissions trading

Managing excess emissions situations under the reformed Safeguard Mechanism

Australia has legislated targets to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.

October 09, 2024

Carbon markets and emissions trading

An overview of the Nature Repair Market

In our previous articles, we highlighted that under Stage 1 of the nature reforms detailed in the Nature Positive Plan, the nature repair market was established.

September 05, 2024

Carbon markets and emissions trading

New South Wales Planning Quarterly: Issue 5

This is the fifth in a series of quarterly updates from the NSW Environment and Planning team and provides a snapshot of the key updates and upcoming legislative and policy changes in this practice area.

August 06, 2024

Federal environment reforms

The Second stage of the EPBC Act reform is announced

On 16 April 2024, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, the Minister for the Environment and Water (the Minister) announced progress on the package of reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).

April 23, 2024

Federal environment reforms