Submission on the Proposed Biodiversity Bill 2025 (SA)

NELA has welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the Department of the Environment and Water into the proposed Biodiversity Bill 2025 (SA). 

NELA submits that the Biodiversity Bill contains components of existing biodiversity laws that have been found to be problematic in other jurisdictions in Australia, with respect to the laws’ effectiveness in achieving its overarching goals. The major shortcomings include reliance on offsets as as tool for environment, broad discretion for decision-makers resulting in weaker protections, and biodiversity laws ‘trumped’ by planning, property, mining, water, and forestry laws.

However, NELA appreciates this is an important step for South Australia in establishing the State’s first biodiversity legislation with some aspects that we understand to be nation-leading. 

The full submission can be found here.