WWF-Australia Raises Concerns Over Draft Standards
Australia has expressed concern over the federal government’s new draft National Environmental Standard, stating it fails to provide adequate protection for nature. Released on 30th April 2023, the standards are open for public consultation until 29th May, forming part of ongoing nature law reforms.
The draft standards aim to address Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). Nicole Forrester, Chief Regenerative Officer at WWF-Australia, said, “This is weaker for nature than the version put out for consultation late last year.” It diverges from the clear, measurable standards recommended by Graeme Samuel in his review of the EPBC Act.
Forrester remarked that the revised standards “add little clarity to what is already in the Act” and will do “very little to protect nature.” She emphasised the need for strong standards and tools to ensure that the reforms deliver tangible benefits for the environment.
Weakened Protections for Species
Criticism has been directed at the draft standards for weakening objectives related to threatened species, ecological communities, and migratory species. Forrester highlighted that the revised version no longer aims to protect their habitats, undermining previous commitments to safeguard these areas. In her words, “The objectives for threatened species, threatened ecological communities, and migratory species have all been weakened and narrowed in the revised draft standard.”
Minister Watt had promised standards that will “deliver improved environmental outcomes.” However, the current draft does not align with this promise. Forrester urged the government to consider public feedback seriously to ensure the final standards effectively support wildlife and natural habitats.
WWF welcomed the nature law reforms but maintained that clear, strong standards are crucial. “Weaker standards are a missed opportunity to help nature regenerate,” Forrester commented. She added, “We have a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to fix our broken nature laws. Future generations will judge this government on what it does next.”
Minister Watt’s proposed standards are open for public feedback until 29th May 2023. This window allows stakeholders and the public to voice their opinions and potentially influence the final outcome of the environmental reforms.
WWF-Australia urges the government to listen to feedback and deliver for wildlife and wild places. According to Forrester, “We have a once-in-a-generation chance to fix our broken nature laws. Future generations will judge this government on what it does next.”
Last updated: 30 April 2026, 5:09 pm
