Make a Submission To: The EPBC Act Reform Inquiry

Australia’s new environment law must protect our precious places from climate harm.

The Albanese Labor Government is rewriting Australia’s national environment law for the first time in 25 years – but right now, climate change is being sidelined.

Our national environment law decides which projects — coal mines, gas fields, renewables — get the green light, and which don’t. This impacts on the future of every reef, forest, and community in Australia.

But the Government’s proposed reforms fail to curb climate pollution, our biggest environmental threat. As it stands, this proposed law could fast-track polluting fossil fuel projects, while leaving decision-makers powerless to consider their climate impact.

The Government can still fix this – but they need to hear from Australians who want credible environment laws that protect the places we love from climate harm.

Right now, the Australian Senate is holding an official inquiry into the Government’s proposed reforms to the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. This inquiry will review the proposed reforms in detail, hear from the public and experts, and make recommendations to the Government before the law is finalised.

This is your chance to have a direct say in how this law is shaped. This is the most important moment for our community to be heard before Parliament decides.

We’re calling on the Albanese Government and all parties in Parliament to strengthen the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Reform Bill to:

1. Require full disclosure of climate pollution, including the pollution from fossil fuels being burned overseas – recognising that climate pollution, no matter where it is released in the atmosphere, harms Australians and our environment.
2. Require the Government to consider this climate pollution when making decisions, and give decision-makers the ability to curb projects that would cause significant climate harm – like polluting coal and gas projects.
3. Ensure projects comply with Australia’s climate targets, policies, and commitments – including detailed net zero plans that do not rely on offsets or unproven technologies.
4. Speed up environmentally responsible renewable projects, not coal and gas.

These are common-sense reforms that would make our laws credible and consistent with the climate goals Australians have fought so hard for.

How to make a submission

Making a submission to the inquiry is easy and only takes 10 minutes. It’s the most effective way to have your say right now.

1. Step 1. Visit the official inquiry page: Senate Environment & Communications Legislation Committee as soon as you can – ideally before November 24.
2. Step 2. Write your submission: Write something short, and in your own words, that explain why this matters to you, and:
   • Ask for: Australia’s environment laws to require full disclosure of all emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3), ensure projects face an independent assessment so they align with our national climate targets and policies (like the Safeguard Mechanism), and speed up approvals for responsible renewables, not fossil fuels.
   • Remember: Parliamentary inquiries value submissions that are thoughtful, and constructive.
3. Step 3. Send it in.
   • Upload your submission on the Parliament website. 
     • Use the ‘Upload Submission’ option on the right side of the page and follow the steps to share your submission. 
     • Note: you’ll be required to create a free Parliament of Australia account to submit via this portal. 
   • Or, email your submission to:
     • ec.sen@aph.gov.au
   • Or, post it to:
     • Committee Secretary
     • Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications
     • PO Box 6100
     • Parliament House
     • Canberra ACT 2600

Together, we helped secure a stronger 2035 climate target. Now, it’s time to make sure all our laws enable us to deliver on it.

This is our chance to shape legislation that could last for decades – to make sure it protects the people and places we love from worsening climate harm, and helps Australia fast-track clean, responsible solutions.

Let’s make sure these laws reflect the future Australians want: a safer climate, thriving nature, and clean power for generations to come.