The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed a Senate inquiry's acknowledgement that a national environment protection agency and a framework for environmental standards is crucial to protect nature in Australia.
"Dissenting views across the Senate make it clear there is room for the government to improve its proposed reforms so nature is protected now," said ACF CEO Kelly O'Shanassy.
"A strong, independent and well-resourced regulator is crucial for Australia to move beyond the present situation where vested interests influence decisions on commercial projects.
"ACF and other environment groups have long called for an independent EPA. It is no surprise a few self-interested industry bodies keep arguing for a weak EPA.
"We welcome the constructive engagement of the Greens, Senator Pocock and Senator Thorpe, who have shown their determination to improve this legislation through their minority report.
"A strong EPA with an independent board is just one aspect of the urgently needed reform of Australia's nature law.
"Deforestation and native forest logging - which continue to push much-loved wildlife like the greater glider and the swift parrot closer to extinction - must be urgently addressed.
"Even though climate change is having a dramatic impact on nature through increased bushfires, heatwaves, flooding and changing blossom patterns, Australia's premier nature protection law doesn't consider climate change impacts. This must be fixed now.
"Australia's threatened species list keeps growing, with two lizards, a sea snake, a fish, a crayfish and 15 plants added to the threatened species list just last week.
"Senators Hanson-Young, Pocock and Thorpe have offered a way to strengthen this bill so it delivers benefits for nature now. We urge the government to work with these crossbenchers on amendments to strengthen the bills."
Swift parrots header pic by Brendan Sydes
