Comments attributable to NFF Sustainable Development Committee Chair, Angus Atkinson
The Federal Government has today released its first guide for farmers and agricultural landholders on changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The National Farmers’ Federation is extremely concerned it does not enable food and fibre producers to make informed decisions about routine management practices on their farms. Instead, it risks forcing farmers into almost unending paperwork.
Since the amendments to the EPBC Act were gazetted in December 2025, the NFF has been in consultation with the department since, especially around the amendments that removed longstanding exemptions for routine agricultural activities involving vegetation more than 15 years old.
We opposed this decision then and we oppose it now.
We have worked extensively with our members and Government to seek greater clarity and practical guidance so producers can better understand their new responsibilities.
This guide is a first version and does not resolve the concerns held by farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
The guide does not give farmers confidence to carry out routine agricultural practices, such as constructing fences or repairing essential earthworks.
The real impact is that many potentially affected farmers will read the guide and be more confused than ever about what they can and cannot do.
The NFF does not support or endorse the guide. Significant questions remain regarding the interpretation and operation of the legislation, and we will continue pressing the Government for greater certainty, practicality and common sense in its implementation.
We encourage producers to review the guide and provide feedback as part of the Government’s planned three-month review process. That feedback will help identify where further clarification and improvement is needed.
The NFF has worked to improve the operation of the EPBC Act since its inception in 1999. We will continue to do so, advocating for reforms that deliver environmental outcomes without imposing unnecessary costs, complexity and uncertainty on farm businesses.