A Healthy Environment

If re-elected, the Gillard Labor Government will continue the reforms that put the protection of
the environment in its rightful place.

Federal Labor’s key environment priorities are the protection and conservation of Australia’s native plants, animals and ecosystems, and supporting Indigenous Australians, landholders and community groups to protect and manage the natural environment. A particular priority is the protection of our ocean ecosystems, as Australia has the third largest marine estate of any nation.

In its first term, Federal Labor has built a strong foundation for our environment. We’ve increased the area of land managed for conservation by 3.4 million hectares, created more than 600 Indigenous Ranger jobs, and taken legal action to stop whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Federal Labor recognises the importance of safeguarding our environment. We have made
significant improvements to the Australian environment, both close to home in the places where most of us live, as well as in more remote natural landscapes.We’ve given the natural
environment the focus it deserves, reoriented environment funding towards a whole of-landscape approach through Caring for our Country, and made transparent and accountable decisions using the best available science.