The passage of the Biodiversity Act through the South Australian Parliament marks a significant shift in the way we approach environmental stewardship.
By introducing a new general duty to protect biodiversity, backed by stronger laws and tougher penalties, the legislation sets out to replace existing frameworks with a system that also promotes opportunities for investment in restoring nature.
Primary Producers SA has been actively engaged in shaping this legislation over the past three years.
Our commodity group members – Grain Producers SA and Livestock SA – have also made valuable contributions to ensure the new regime strikes the right balance between biodiversity conservation and the essential role of food and fibre production.
Throughout, our message has remained clear: incentives must take precedence over punishment if we are to achieve lasting environmental outcomes.
We have consistently advocated for transparent, science-based regulation that recognises the knowledge, commitment and investment of landholders.
In addition, we have called for alignment with emerging biodiversity markets so producers can actively participate in – and benefit from – stewardship opportunities.
Producers care deeply about the health and resilience of their land.
It is not only their livelihood, it is their legacy. Across South Australia, many are already adopting sustainable practices that deliver real biodiversity benefits.
But to build on this momentum, they need certainty, clarity and support, not added layers of complexity or compliance risk when managing native species and vegetation on productive land.
With the legislation now passed, PPSA’s focus shifts to implementation.
Beyond the headlines, primary producers need to understand exactly how the laws will apply, and under what circumstances.
The Act introduces substantial penalties for non-compliance and even the possibility of jail time.
These are serious deterrents and the framework must be equally serious about ensuring clarity and fairness in its application.
Our priority is to ensure the laws are workable in practice and landholders are fully informed of their responsibilities and their rights under the new regime.
We will continue to engage constructively with government as the supporting regulations and instruments are developed.
But it is vital that these come with clear guidance so producers are not left to bear the burden of proof or navigate opaque processes that lack transparency or account- ability.
We have also urged Landscape Boards to work closely with PPSA and commodity groups to ensure open, effective and respectful communication with landholders.
The success of this legislation will depend not only on its content, but on the goodwill and co-operation it fosters on the ground.
Because, at the end of the day, we are united by a common goal: better biodiversity outcomes for South Australia.
The farming sector has a strong record of delivering these outcomes, but regulation alone will not get us there.
If we want meaningful progress, we must bring landholders with us, by recognising their contribution, reducing uncertainty and offering clear, practical pathways to participate in and benefit from stewardship efforts.
This column was written by PPSA Chair Professor Simon Maddocks and originally appeared in the 26 June 2025 edition of Stock Journal.
