Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Save the Koala) 2021

# Save the Koala Bill 2021 ## What it does This bill makes it illegal for the federal government to approve any project that involves clearing koala habitat. It adds koalas to the list of protected species under Australia's main environmental law, meaning developments that significantly harm koalas would need special consideration and potentially cannot go ahead if they destroy where koalas live. ## Why it matters Koalas are under serious threat from habitat loss, disease, and climate change. This creates a legal barrier to projects like logging, urban development, or land clearing that would destroy the forests koalas depend on to survive. ## Key details - **The ban**: Federal approval cannot be granted for any action involving clearing koala habitat — this is an absolute prohibition, not just a "case-by-case" rule - **What counts as habitat**: The bill defines koala habitat broadly to include not just areas where koalas currently live, but also cleared areas they use and vegetation suitable for them to survive in - **When it starts**: The law takes effect the day after Parliament approves it (Royal Assent)

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament