Australia’s Parliament has passed a sweeping revision of the nation’s environmental framework, granting final approval to the most significant nature-protection reforms in decades.

The act reform package, which amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), sailed through the Senate late on Thursday after a negotiated agreement between the governing coalition and the Greens.

It will now be formally enshrined as law.

The reforms introduce three core pillars: a newly established federal regulator (the National Environmental Protection Agency), binding national environmental standards, and strengthened compliance tools — including tougher penalties for major breaches.

The overhaul also ends long-standing exemptions for high-risk land-clearing and native-forest logging under regional forestry agreements.

Under the new regime, significant environmental approvals must satisfy rigorous “unacceptable impacts” tests and residual harm must be offset to deliver a “net gain.”

For large projects — whether in conservation, mining, infrastructure or energy — the legislation promises more consistent and transparent environmental assessments under uniform national criteria.

At the same time, proponents of renewable energy, critical minerals and housing hope the reforms will reduce regulatory uncertainty and streamline approval processes.

The government says the new laws will help safeguard Australia’s unique wildlife, preserve fragile ecosystems and protect cultural and heritage sites.

It also argues the reforms offer clearer, faster decision-making — a balance of environmental responsibility and economic certainty.

Support from the Greens was secured through amendments including a commitment to strict forest-protection timelines, a substantial forestry-industry support fund and removal of fast-tracking carve-outs for fossil-fuel developments.

Some stakeholders remain cautious.

Environmentalists and experts have raised concerns over whether allowing “offset” payments or restoration charges might allow projects to destroy habitat before remediation occurs.

Others warn the broad powers given to the environment minister may weaken judicial oversight.

Still, the reforms reflect a new era of environmental governance in Australia — where conservation, development and national interest are to be weighed under clear, nationwide law.

The new standards and institutions are scheduled to take effect in phases, with transitional arrangements and continued consultation with Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders.