Australia Launches Major Environmental Law Reforms

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Australia is preparing the biggest overhaul of its environmental laws in decades, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at better protecting nature while supporting major projects in housing, renewable energy, and critical minerals. The Labor government reached a last-minute agreement with the Greens party after talks with the opposition stalled, allowing the changes to move forward.

Key reforms include stricter rules on land clearing, additional protections for native forests, and limits on fast-tracking coal and gas projects. The legislation will also establish Australia’s first independent national environment regulator and a set of national environmental standards to protect endangered wildlife and manage water use for large projects.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the changes as a win for both nature and business, emphasizing the need to modernize laws that were deemed outdated by a review conducted five years ago. “Everyone agrees that the laws as they stand are broken and need to be reformed,” Albanese said. “Getting these laws passed is vital to protect our environment and to boost productivity in our economy.”

Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters welcomed the agreement but criticized the government for not including a climate trigger that could halt fossil fuel projects based on carbon emissions. Instead, projects must report emissions and show plans to reach net zero by 2050. A water trigger will require federal approval for coal and gas projects’ water usage.

Climate experts have highlighted gaps in the reforms, warning that new coal and gas projects still largely escape scrutiny for climate pollution. Amanda McKenzie, head of the independent Climate Council, said, “That is a gaping hole in a law that should protect nature from the ravages of climate change.”

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen warned that Australia may miss its 2035 emissions reduction targets without significant changes, noting the government’s goal to cut emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels over the next decade, while current projections suggest a reduction of only 48–52%.

The legislation is expected to pass through the Senate on Thursday, marking a historic step in modernizing Australia’s environmental framework and setting up the country’s first national regulator to oversee environmental protections.