Submission to Biodiversity Act 2025 Draft Regulations (Statutory Bodies)

Livestock SA has provided a submission on the draft regulations supporting the Biodiversity Act 2025, with a particular focus on ensuring practical agricultural and pastoral expertise is represented in biodiversity decision-making bodies. The submission supports the establishment of independent statutory bodies but raises concerns that the proposed membership requirements for the Clearance Assessment Committee do not adequately recognise the importance of hands-on primary production experience.

Livestock SA notes that decisions relating to native vegetation clearance, critical habitat and significant environmental benefit requirements can have direct consequences for livestock businesses and landholders. To improve confidence, transparency and practicality, the submission recommends strengthening the regulations to ensure the committee includes members with current agricultural and pastoral expertise and reflects the diversity of South Australia's farming landscapes.

Key recommendations

• Include agricultural and pastoral expertise in the prescribed areas of expertise for committee members.
• Require practical primary production experience on the Clearance Assessment Committee.
• Recognise regional diversity when appointing committee members.
• Balance regulatory, scientific and practical land management expertise in decision-making bodies.
• Strengthen confidence and certainty for landholders while delivering biodiversity outcomes.