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ARTICLE · 04 FEBRUARY 2026

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A Comprehensive Guide To The New Reforms Of The Environment Protection And Biodiversity Conservation Act

K&L Gates
K&L Gates
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K&L Gates

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On 28 November 2025, the highly anticipated reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) were passed by both Houses, consisting of seven pieces of legislation, with the most significant one being the Environment Protection Reform Act 2025.

AustraliaEnvironment
Paul Lalich
Paul Lalich
Andrew Scully
Andrew Scully
Madeleine Ryan
Madeleine Ryan

On 28 November 2025, the highly anticipated reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) were passed by both Houses, consisting of seven pieces of legislation, with the most significant one being the Environment Protection Reform Act 2025 (Reform Package).

The Reform Package implements the core recommendations that arose out of the 2020 independent Samuel Review of the EPBC Act in order to deliver "stronger environmental protection and restoration", "more efficient and robust project assessments" and "greater accountability and transparency in decision making". The most significant amendments to the EPBC Act are set out below.

National Environmental Standards Introduced

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