Australia’s leading scientists welcome government response to Samuel review

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the release of the Australian Government response to the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the Samuel review).

Biodiversity decline is one of the greatest challenges facing science and humanity. Australia is failing to halt, slow or reverse loss of biodiversity.

We have one of the worst records of species extinctions of any continent, with nearly 50% of the world’s known and historically recorded mammal extinctions.

Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said reform is desperately needed.

“Existing legislation is not fit for purpose for the conservation of known threatened species—let alone those that are yet to be discovered,” Professor Jagadish said.

“In that regard, we welcome the government’s commitment in their response to basing decisions on science and data.”

The Academy particularly welcomes:

• a commitment to National Environmental Standards with strong legislated protections
• an independent Environmental Protection Agency
• a national environmental data system
• an emphasis on ‘net positive’ outcomes rather than simply averting further loss
• formal recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems and a commitment to partnerships with Indigenous voices.

The shape of other components of these reforms remains unclear. For instance, while the Academy welcomes the proposal for regional planning as it may allow for more holistic assessment, we await further detail on this important area.

Professor Jagadish said the Academy thanks the environment minister Tanya Plibersek, the department, and the taskforce on environmental law reform for this comprehensive response.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Australian Government in refining and implementing these reforms in 2023,” Professor Jagadish said.