The Andrews Labor Government has introduced new legislation to better protect biodiversity in Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Amendment Bill 2018 modernises and strengthens the existing Act, which has been in place for nearly 30 years and no longer reflects current conservation knowledge and approaches to regulation.

The Bill will:

• help prevent flora and fauna from becoming threatened and restore the conservation status of threatened species
• provide longer-term protection for critical habitats
• improve enforcement powers and penalties for all offences.

Community consultation, which was central to shaping the Bill, occurred in 2017 and attracted 210 submissions.

The Bill, which was a key election commitment, aligns with other major biodiversity initiatives being delivered by the Labor Government, including a nation-leading biodiversity plan over 20 years and a review of the native vegetation clearing regulations.

Together, these reforms represent a new direction for the management and protection of biodiversity in Victoria and prevent the end of species decline.

To implement the changes, the Labor Government has invested $86.3 million for the Biodiversity Plan, including $2.5 million to review the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and implement the reforms it introduces.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

 “These reforms will better protect our wonderful plants and animals for years to come.”

 “We’re delivering a raft of reforms to protect Victoria’s valuable biodiversity in the face of a changing climate.”