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New Environment Protection Reform Bills passed by Parliament

Dec 5, 2025

The Australian Parliament has passed the Environment Protection Reform Bills. This occurred on Friday 28 November.

The Bills received Royal Assent from the Governor General on Monday 1 December. They are now officially law. Some laws take effect immediately. Others will be phased in to allow further consultation and planning.

The new laws will deliver:

  • stronger environmental protection and restoration
  • more efficient and robust project assessments
  • greater accountability and transparency in decision making.

The new laws were shaped through years of community consultation. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure a seamless rollout. This will include:

  • transitional arrangements
  • implementation details.

The 7 bills passed on Friday 28 November:

  • Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025
  • National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025
  • Environment Information Australia Bill 2025
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025

Original article published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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