The Federal parliament has passed theEnvironment Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 which addresses implications rising from the Federal Court’s ‘Tarkine’ ruling.
The bill ensures the validity of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) decisions made prior to 31 December 2013 that require the Federal Minister for the Environment to have regard to any relevant approved conservation advice.
It also amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to provide additional protection for dugong and turtle populations from the threats of poaching, illegal trade and illegal transportation.
