Kate Millar responds to Rio Tinto's Nature Laws statement

BirdLife Australia welcomes Rio Tinto’s statement urging the Federal Government to progress much-needed reforms to Australia’s Nature Laws.

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said:

“We welcome this change in position from Rio Tinto and commend them for busting the tiresome myth that strong nature laws are bad for business. While we don’t agree with every aspect of their statement, we recognise that this is a step in the right direction and that adopting a genuine intent to embrace Nature Positive outcomes will require change.

“We look forward to other organisations across the resources sector following this lead and making similar commitments in support of stronger protections for birds and nature, and in calling on the Australian government to urgently get these reforms done.

“The need to ensure the right outcomes for Australia’s precious bird species and the habitat they depend on has never been more urgent. Nature Law reform is a critical foundation for ensuring the protection and conservation of our unique natural environment.

“Other nations are already ahead of us in this race with stronger and better conservation policies, but we remain hopeful that the Australian Government can catch up. Ethical businesses in partnership with organisations like BirdLife Australia, local communities and First Nations representatives will all play critical roles in this transition. The long-standing partnership between Rio Tinto and BirdLife International is an encouraging example of this collaborative spirit.

“BirdLife Australia is committed to helping industry embrace genuine Nature Positive commitments. We believe companies with an authentic commitment to environmental reforms can reap substantial economic and social benefits in the long run.”

BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au