Australia’s Environment Protection Bill Clears Lower House, Tough Road Ahead in Senate

The law sets up a new federal-level Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and introduces a ‘net environmental gain’ rule for projects like mining.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Lukas Coch/AAP Image via AP

The Albanese government’s Environment Protection Bill has cleared the House of Representatives, setting the stage for a tough Senate battle over reforms that will replace Australia’s two-decade-old EPBC Act.

With Labor holding a vast majority in the lower house, the bill passed on 88 votes to 45, with the Coalition, Greens and crossbenchers all voting against it.