We are active leaders in advocating for sound law and policy to protect the environment at both a state and national level.
We respond to calls by government for submissions on proposed policy changes affecting the environment. We are also regularly invited by governments to contribute our expertise to parliamentary inquiries, expert panels and reference groups set up to examine aspects of environmental regulation. From time to time we prepare reports and undertake consultancy projects on areas in need of significant reform.
We took an active role in responding to the Federal Government’s plans to devolve its environmental decision-making powers to States (the so-called ‘one stop shop’ policy). We also contributed expert opinion to the development of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the Draft Basin-wide Environmental Watering Strategy and to the development of the Long-term Sustainability Plan for the Great Barrier Reef. We have also undertaken an assessment of the adequacy of threatened species and planning laws in Australia.
Read our latest policy and law reform submissions:
- Submission on Updating Climate Change Authority advice on meeting the Paris Agreement - August 2019
- Comments on Coal Fired Power Funding prohibition Bill 2017 - August 2019
- Submission responding to the proposed variation to the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (NEPM) standards for ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) - August 2019
- Submission to NOPSEMA on Improving Consultation and Transparency of Offshore Oil and Gas – Draft Regulations - November 2018
- Submission to the Inquiry into Australia's faunal extinction crisis - September 2018
- Submission to the Inquiry into interactions between the EPBC Act and the agricultural sector - June 2018
- Murray-Darling Basin Plan: 5 year assessment - April 2018
- Submission in response to the Draft revision of Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy - March 2018
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Inquiry into Water Use by the Extractive Industry - December 2017
- Submission in response to Productivity Commission's Draft Report into National Water Reform - October 2017
- Submission on draft management plans for Australian Marine Parks that are managed by Parks Australia - September 2017
- Submission on governance and operation of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) - August 2017
- Inquiry into the Future of Australia’s Cities - August 2017
- Inquiry into the Environment and Infrastructure Legislation Amendment (Stop Adani) Bill 2017 - July 2017
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Tax Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Reform Opportunities July 2017
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Environmental assessments and approvals June 2017
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Australia’s Climate Change Policy Review May 2017
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Inquiry into National Water Reform May 2017
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Rehabilitation of mining and resources projects as it relates to Commonwealth responsibilities April 2017
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Reducing emissions from the transport sector March 2017
- Inquiry into shark mitigation and deterrent measures March 2017
View our policy and law reform submissions by topic:
- Aboriginal Communities
- Access to Justice
- Climate Change & Energy
- Coastal Marine & Fisheries Management
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Farming & Private Land Management
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Forestry Clearing Vegetation & Trees
- Mining & Coal Seam Gas
- Native Plants & Animals
- Planning Development & Heritage
- Pollution
- Protected Areas & Public Land Management
- Water Management