Tingle forests saved and Bunnings alleged greenwashing.

InsightJanuary 2026

Welcome to Insight, the Environmental Defenders Office monthly newsletter that keeps you updated about our ongoing work in the legal fight to protect our unique and precious environment and communities across Australia.

NCC succeeds in application to join the Redbank appealLast week, the Land and Environment Court of NSW granted our client, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC), the right to join proceedings in defence of the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) refusal of the Redbank Power Station restart.

Last year, the IPC refused the Redbank restart after considering substantial community feedback and expert evidence on climate, environmental and social impacts.

Energy company Verdant Earth Technologies has appealed that refusal. The company is seeking to use the retired coal-fired power station near Singleton in NSW to burn up to 500,000 tonnes of native vegetation a year to produce energy.

This is a big step forward because NCC can now be an active party in the case — helping to defend the IPC’s decision. Our client’s participation will ensure the court hears clear, evidence‑based arguments about the environmental harms of this project. Read more

WA forests alliance wins a reprieve for southern forests from planned burnsIn December last year, the WA Government confirmed that planned burns in the tingle forests of Walpole/Nornalup (on WA’s South Coast) would not proceed. A week prior to the announcement, we wrote to the WA and federal governments asking for the burns to be referred under the EPBC Act, on behalf of our client the WA Forest Alliance.

EDO understands this is the first time that the WA Government has reconsidered multiple planned burns. Many conservation groups, including our client, have advocated tirelessly over the years for the protection of this fragile forest ecosystem.

We’ve previously assisted client groups in relation to the impact of prescribed burns on the forests in the South-West and Great Southern regions of WA. These burns, which are often undertaken via aerial firebombing, can significantly harm the sensitive peatland and tingle forest ecosystems, including the threatened species calling them home such as black cockatoos, quokkas and western ringtail possums. In June last year, hundreds of ancient tingle trees — including one over 400 years old — were killed in one of these burns.

Greenwashing complaint lodged against Bunnings over timber supply claimsThe Wilderness Society (TWS) has asked the national consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), to investigate whether hardware giant Bunnings has made false or misleading environmental claims about the timber it sells.

TWS alleges in a letter to the ACCC prepared by EDO that Bunnings may have made — and may be continuing to make — misleading and/or false representations to consumers about its timber products, possibly contravening the Australian Consumer Law.

The group is concerned that, despite stating that it “excludes timber sources where the material was illegally harvested or traded”, illegally logged timber may have entered Bunnings’ supply chain via Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), a state-owned corporation that a judge in 2024 described as having “a significant history of unlawfully carrying out forestry operations”.

TWS also questions the accuracy of other statements made by Bunnings, including (but not limited to) a statement that forest certification provides assurances that forests are conserved and managed responsibly. Read more

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Environment groups in WA concerned new state laws could undermine environmental protectionsA new law passed by the WA Parliament in late 2025 — the State Development Act 2025 (WA) — creates extraordinary legal powers for the government to fast-track handpicked projects and make ad hoc changes to the way existing laws apply.

The legislation was passed after multiple late-night sittings of the Legislative Council to debate amendments, and a last-minute recall of the Legislative Assembly for a single sitting day prior to Christmas.

While some amendments to the bill, proposed by EDO and others to constrain these extraordinary powers and to protect community rights, were agreed to by the parliament, many others were not.

EDO’s clients are concerned that environmentally harmful projects (e.g., relating to nuclear energy or fracking) could be deemed “priority projects” under the new legislation, which could influence how such projects are assessed and approved. They worry, too, that the new powers could be used to undermine environmental protection processes, as existing pieces of legislation currently used to protect waterways, endangered species, and cultural heritage could be overridden by the new Act.

EDO will continue to work with clients and civil society groups to maximise accountability, community rights, and environmental protection as the government implements the new Act over the coming months. Read more

Final days to have your say on the National Environmental Standards for our new nature lawsLast year, the EPBC Act reforms were passed by the ALP and Greens in a historic step to fix our failing nature laws. These are reforms that EDO, the conservation movement and the wider Australian community had been calling for over many years.

However, it is the standards and regulations that will decide if these reforms stop extinctions or are simply a wish list full of loopholes.

Strong National Environmental Standards are the backbone of a reformed EPBC Act, according to the recommendations from the independent review of Australia’s federal environment laws by Professor Graeme Samuel (Samuel Review).

The federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is accepting submissions on two draft Standards now until 5pm, 30 January.

Your voice matters. Strong community input can ensure these Standards protect nature, deliver accountability, and reflect the expectations of the Australian public. Read our submission guide here which outlines priority recommendations to help guide submissions. You can make a submission here. Read more

Apply for free legal advice through our National Intake ServiceAs Australia’s largest not-for-profit environmental legal centre, we provide a critical service for people bravely standing up to save nature.

Our lawyers work with communities every day, providing expert advice and informing people about their legal rights and opportunities under the law to protect the environment. Our specialist expertise helps people intervene early to prevent bad decisions, improve the law, and secure better outcomes for the environment.

Last year, we had more than 900 enquiries through our national intake service from people across Australia seeking free legal advice about environmental matters.

To seek legal help or ask for legal assistance, visit our online portal or email [email protected].

Leave a gift to EDO in your will
Learn more about leaving a bequest and get in touch with EDO’s gifts in wills specialist. Learn more

Work with usDirector, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

We are seeking a strategic, committed, and experienced leader to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategy and lead our FMC Team. You will have senior leadership experience in fundraising, marketing and communications, with a proven track record of developing and implementing forward-thinking marketing strategies. As an experienced manager, you will foster a positive team culture, empowering your team to reach new heights while delivering on strategic outcomes.

You will be a purpose-driven leader with deep experience in brand, communications and advocacy-led campaigns that influence public conversations and inspire action. You will bring a strategic and ethical approach to storytelling and stakeholder engagement, aligning marketing activity with EDO’s values and mission.

Position description here. Applications close on Wednesday, 4 February.

Find out more about the role and apply here.

Managing Lawyer, Corporate Commercial

We have an exciting opportunity for a Managing Lawyer to lead our Corporate Commercial practice. This role offers the opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role where you will be at the forefront of climate and environmental justice.

As Managing Lawyer, you will work with a passionate team on some of the most critical environmental challenges of our time and will have the opportunity to make an impact on climate and sustainability issues through the use of corporate and consumer law. The team is working on high profile net zero and sustainability claims as well as corporate disclosure issues. The Managing Lawyer is responsible for helping develop and deliver the relevant parts of EDO’s Strategic Plan.

Position description here.

Find out more about the role and apply here.

Solicitor/Senior Solicitor – ACT

We are looking for a talented lawyer based in Canberra to join the EDO. This role offers the opportunity to work across human rights, climate change and environmental law and offers a high level of autonomy. Lawyers who think outside the box and want a chance to think creatively about delivering systemic change are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position description here. Applications close Wednesday, 11 Feb.

Find out more about the role and apply here.EDO submissionsSubmissions on the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.

EDO fact sheetsOverview of EDO Services to First Nation Clients & Communities.
Have your saySouth East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy.

National Environmental Standards for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and Environmental Offsets (open until 30 January). See our submission guide here.

Valhalla Gas Exploration and Appraisal Program.EDO in the newsQueensland Museum accused of misleading teachers and children about the cause of climate change – The GuardianMuseum faces heat over gas company sponsorship of education program – Nine Newspapers

Will a controversial water plan lead to ‘bad years’ for Roper River barramundi? – ABC NewsEventsThis year, we’re proudly returning to WOMADelaide for the 2026 Planet Talks series!

The Planet Talks bring together frontline voices, leaders, scientists, artists and activists to explore how we might adapt, resist, and reimagine our way into new futures. Ones that are built on care, courage, hope and imagination for a better world.

Our CEO Jo Shulman will facilitate the River Listening panel on Saturday, 7 March, featuring leading Māori earth systems scientist Dan Hikuroa, proud Ngarrindjeri citizen and Deputy Chair of Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) Grant Rigney, and award-winning sound artist, researcher and environmental activist Dr Leah Barclay.

The panellists will explore how we can and must transform our relationships with rivers. From Indigenous law to ecological soundscapes to frontline water justice, they will share stories, sounds and strategies for protecting waterways through more-than-human perspectives and First Nations leadership.

If you are thinking of attending WOMADelaide, please let us know at [email protected]. We’d love to see you there!

Secure your tickets today: https://www.womadelaide.com.au/

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EDO recognises the traditional owners and custodians of the land, seas and rivers of Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past and present, and aspire to learn from traditional knowledge and customs so that, together, we can protect our environment and cultural heritage through law.

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