Webinar: getting the EPBC Act right - expert insights on the proposed environmental law reforms
Image: Nicolas Rakotopare
News story
26 November 2025
Hear insights from our experts in environmental science, law and policy, and Indigenous Knowledge about the proposed environmental law reforms. We cover what the promising elements of the proposed Bills are, as well as the major loopholes and flaws that must be fixed to make them effective for nature.
Minister Murray Watt has introduced a suite of bills to amend the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) - an historic opportunity to fix Australia’s broken environmental laws and get nature back on track.
We've analysed the proposed legislation. As it currently stands, these laws are unlikely to lead to better outcomes for nature unless key shortcomings are addressed.
Our webinar speakers and topics:
- Dr Teagan Shields, Research Fellow at Curtin University and proud Arabana woman, covers the lack of Indigenous representation, engagement and knowledge in the reforms.
- Prof Jan McDonald, Professor of Environmental and Climate Law at the University of Tasmania, speaks to issues with Ministerial discretion, and a lack of clear and mandatory rules.
- Prof Brendan Wintle, Director of the Melbourne Biodiversity Institute, explains the strengths and weaknesses with unacceptable impacts, net gain and offsetting.
- Lis Ashby, Policy and Innovation Lead at the Biodiversity Council, speak to Environment Information Australia (EIA) and the lack of data transparency and reporting, as well as increased devolution to states and territories.
- James Trezise, CEO at the Biodiversity Council, is our MC.
