Australian Environment Minister Sued Over Failure to Protect Threatened Species

The Wilderness Society has filed a federal lawsuit alleging decades of inaction on legally required recovery plans for endangered wildlife.

The Wilderness Society has taken Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to federal court, alleging non-compliance with legal obligations to create recovery plans for 11 endangered species.
The lawsuit highlights systemic failures by successive governments to implement recovery plans mandated under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Recovery plans, which outline actions to prevent extinction, have been overdue for years for species like the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, greater glider, and Australian lungfish.
An independent 2021 review found that most recovery plans were outdated, underfunded, or not implemented, despite being required by law.
The case seeks to set a legal precedent compelling current and future environment ministers to fulfill their duties to protect Australia's unique biodiversity.