Australia is home to unique wildlife, incredible coastlines and beautiful reefs. But we’ve already lost too much. Australia’s nature laws have failed to stop avoidable harm to marine animals time and again. But with strong, enforceable nature laws, we can repair their habitat and help them thrive.
Current nature laws were supposed to shield coastal habitats and protect our reefs. Yet massive dredging in Gladstone Harbour Queensland caused noise and water pollution, reducing the Indo-Pacific dolphin population in the area. The Great Barrier Reef has experienced five mass coral bleaching events this decade alone.
Why do we need these strong laws? Because a healthy underwater world means a healthy future for all of us.
What do stronger nature laws look like?
The Environment Minister has committed to rewriting Australia’s nature laws within 18 months. Together, let’s push for these fair asks that help protect all of us:
✅ Strong and enforceable National Environmental Standards that safeguard nature against further destruction
✅ Funding for habitat restoration and species recovery
✅ An independent watchdog
✅ No more loopholes that favour big businesses over nature
The reforms must include stronger laws that help to save the marine life we have left, adequate funding to recover threatened species populations, and the budget to monitor and enforce compliance.
Strong nature laws are good for business
Nature is an asset worth billions. When nature thrives, so does our economy
The Great Barrier Reef alone contributes $6.4 billion to Australia’s economy and supports 64k jobs – more than Qantas. Whale watching, diving and coastal tourism rely on thriving marine life. The same oceans that nurture marine life also sustain thousands of tourism jobs across Australia.
Nature is not separate from the economy, it underpins it
As former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry warns, degrading our environment is now directly hurting productivity and threatening essentials like clean air, water and food. To secure long-term economic stability, we must embed strong protections into law that recognise nature’s limits as economic realities.
A snapshot about Australia's nature laws
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 contains Australia’s national nature laws.
Australia’s current nature laws are outdated, barely monitored and rarely enforced. This has created loopholes for the ongoing destruction of marine life and their ocean home.
This is our opportunity to demand stronger nature laws that protect and help to restore the marine life we have left, before the damage is irreversible.
Right now, the Australian Government is rewriting Australia’s nature laws. This is the first time in over 20 years. Strong new laws are our chance to stop the destruction and help to restore marine life, seascapes and all wildlife.
Join millions in calling for strong nature laws
Action for Dolphins is advocating for stronger nature laws as a member of The Places You Love Alliance. Collectively, we represent 1.5 million Australians who love nature and want to help save it. By signing, you join this incredible community of nature lovers.
Climate change and pollution are pushing our oceans to breaking point and our nature laws don’t keep up.
Rising temperatures, acidification, and plastic pollution are damaging marine habitats and species, often in combination with overfishing, noise, and industrial pressure (State of the Environment Report). Strong nature laws can address these cumulative impacts to protect the ocean systems that sustain life.
