Australia’s Environment Minister Faces Legal Challenge Over Inaction on Threatened Species

The Wilderness Society, a notable Australian conservation NGO, has taken a bold step to safeguard the country’s biodiversity by filing a lawsuit against Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. The organization claims that Plibersek has failed to implement the essential recovery plans necessary to protect several threatened species from extinction.

Legal Obligations Under Scrutiny

Backed by Environmental Justice Australia, a prominent public interest legal group, The Wilderness Society has initiated federal court action. They argue that both Plibersek and her predecessors have neglected their legal responsibilities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. This act legally binds the federal environment minister to create and execute recovery plans for species facing extinction risks.

These recovery plans should serve as detailed conservation strategies, pinpointing key threats and identifying crucial habitats requiring protection. Without such plans, Australia risks pushing its unique wildlife closer to extinction.

A Race Against Time for Recovery Plans

Amelia Young, the national campaigns director at The Wilderness Society Australia, expressed hope that the court case would highlight the legal and moral responsibilities of environment ministers to actively combat species extinction. Under Australian law, recovery plans must be devised within three years of identifying a species as threatened. However, since 2013, only 2% of these plans have been finalized within the stipulated timeframe, according to a 2022 auditor-general report.

Species in Dire Need of Protection

• Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo: This critically endangered bird has seen its population plunge by over 50% since the 1960s.
• Red Goshawk: Recognized as Australia’s rarest bird of prey, it is down to fewer than 1,400 mature individuals.
• Southern and Central Greater Glider: Populations of these marsupials have plummeted by at least 50% from 2000 to 2022.

The decline of these species is primarily attributed to habitat loss caused by deforestation, land clearing, agricultural expansion, and wildfires.

The Road Ahead

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has yet to comment on the ongoing court proceedings but has highlighted increased funding for neglected national parks and the Great Barrier Reef as measures to raise Australia’s conservation efforts.

Wildlife ecology and conservation expert Euan Ritchie offers a cautious perspective. He notes that the government has increasingly relied on conservation advices, which are useful for quick action but lack the enforceable power of full recovery plans. Such plans would enable the environment minister to block potentially harmful projects that threaten protected species.

Public Response and Global Implications

The lawsuit against Plibersek has grabbed headlines, underscoring the urgency of addressing Australia’s environmental challenges. This court case serves as a stark reminder of the need for governments worldwide to prioritize sustainable practices and robust wildlife protection policies.

By taking legal action, The Wilderness Society aims to compel the enactment of comprehensive recovery plans for at least 12 threatened species. The outcome of this case could potentially set a precedent for how environmental laws are implemented and enforced, not only in Australia but across the globe.

Conclusion

In the context of a global biodiversity crisis, this court case acts as a pivotal moment for Australia to step up as a leader in conservation. Effective recovery plans and diligent enforcement of environmental laws are crucial steps forward. The ongoing court case and its repercussions will be closely monitored by both national and international conservation communities.

The efforts by The Wilderness Society and its legal allies highlight the critical need for action, as the protection of these species is paramount to conserving Australia’s unique ecological heritage for future generations.

Source: https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/03/australias-environment-minister-sued-for-failure-to-act-on-threatened-species/