National environmental law reforms
Changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC)
The Australian Government is progressing reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), introducing a new National framework for environmental regulation.
Tasmania’s forestry sector has a long-established and internationally recognised framework established under the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA), which recognises the Tasmania’s Forest Practices System as meeting national environmental requirements.
From 1 July 2027 all forestry operations in Tasmania – native and planation, across all tenure – will need to comply with the new National environmental framework including National Environmental Standards, which are currently being developed.
The Tasmanian Government is working closely with the Australian Government to secure a practical and durable accreditation pathway for Tasmanian forestry operations that gives industry certainty, protects investment and ensures a sustainable source of timber products critical to Tasmania’s economy and future housing needs.
Intention to develop a draft bilateral approval agreement
On 9 June 2026, the Australian Government published a notice of intention to pursue a draft bilateral approval agreement with the Tasmanian Government. This is for forestry operations in Tasmania.
If approved, the agreement would recognise Tasmania’s Forest Practices System under the EPBC Act. This would allow forestry operations in Tasmania to:
- continue where they meet EPBC Act requirements
- proceed without individual approvals.
The notice of intention can be downloaded from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website and the Federal Register of Legislation.
For more information on the National environmental reforms visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.
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