Albanese pushes through law that will seal extinction of prehistoric species

Federal Government Weakens Nature Laws, Threatening Endangered Maugean Skate

In a move that environmental groups warn could drive an ancient species to extinction, the Albanese Government has passed legislation that weakens the very nature laws it promised to strengthen.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Act 2025 was passed last night with Coalition support. It creates a damaging exemption that protects the salmon industry in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour from environmental scrutiny—despite the known risks it poses to the endangered Maugean skate, a species that has survived since the time of the dinosaurs.

New Law Undermines Community Rights and Scientific Oversight

The new law amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, blocking the public’s right to request reconsideration of environmentally damaging decisions—even if new evidence emerges.

This applies to projects that:

• Were approved five or more years ago

• Are ongoing

• Are subject to a state-based management arrangement

Although prompted by concerns about salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, the law is not limited to any specific industry or location—raising alarms across environmental and legal sectors.

“This will be remembered as Prime Minister Albanese cementing species loss into law—an act that erodes the environmental legacy of past Labor leaders and weakens the safeguards Australians rely on to protect nature,” said Sam Szoke-Burke, Biodiversity Policy and Campaign Manager at the Wilderness Society.

Maugean Skate Habitat at Risk in World Heritage Area

The Maugean skate is found only in Macquarie Harbour, where the salmon industry continues to degrade water quality. Critically, its habitat overlaps with the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, known for its globally unique estuarine ecosystems.

“Far from providing certainty, this bill will shatter confidence in environmental decision-making and Australia's reputation as an investment destination,” said Szoke-Burke. “It sets a precedent that no species or World Heritage site is safe.”

Precedent for Weakening Environmental Protections

The Wilderness Society warns that the Act sets a dangerous precedent—prioritising industry interests over scientific evidence, environmental protection, and public accountability.

The passage of the bill comes just weeks after the Wilderness Society launched legal proceedings against the federal Environment Minister for failing to deliver recovery plans for 11 threatened species.