The natural beauty that we are so fortunate to live within is under threat here in Canberra and around Australia. Bushlands are being cleared, polluting fossil fuel projects are being opened and expanded, and increasing numbers of species face extinction including koalas, gang-gang cockatoos and the Canberra grassland earless dragon.
Currently, the Environment Minister chooses whether harmful developments such as fossil fuel projects go ahead. In the last three years, Minister Tanya Plibersek has approved dozens of these dangerous projects. Sadly Ministers are often strongly influenced by lobbyists, their corporate donors and other vested interests, who care more about making money than protecting the planet and our future.
That’s why we need an EPA: an environmental protection authority. With an independent environmental regulator like many other countries have, we can take the politics out of environmental decision-making and protect nature.
An independent, federal EPA would:
- Be an expert regulator and enforce Australia’s nature laws in an objective way
- Investigate illegal activities, assess projects that might harm nature, and prosecute those breaking the law
- Review the National Environmental Standards to finally bring transparency and clarity on how Federal environmental decisions are made
- Improve efficiency with greater clarity, to give businesses a quicker YES or N
An EPA is within reach. After failing to deliver on its promise to create an environmental regulator in its first term, the Albanese Government recently re-announced its plan to do so. However, we clearly can’t rely on election campaign promises alone. We must build enough social pressure on politicians to ensure nature gets the protection it needs.
That’s where you come in. Now, during the election campaign, is when politicians are paying the most attention to what their voters want. Your demand for an EPA now will have an outsized influence and help in the fight for environmental protection.
Here in Canberra, we will be doorknocking voters to talk to them about the fight for an EPA. Our aim is to distribute signs to people around the city demanding an EPA now. Signs can be installed and removed for you, and they can go on your front yard, fence, or balcony. Politicians will be highly attuned to the level of visible support they can see in the community for an environmental watchdog, so your support is crucial.
We hope you will join us in this important campaign to protect nature.