Review of the Wildlife Act 1975

What is the Wildlife Act 1975?

The Wildlife Act sets the rules around how we protect, conserve, sustainably manage and use wildlife in Victoria.

Wildlife Act reform and associated commitments

On 17 October 2025, the Minister for Environment, the Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP announced the release of the Victorian Government’s response to the Wildlife Act Review, together with the expert advisory panel’s report.

The Government’s response commits to delivering a modernised legislative and regulatory framework that helps address challenges and threats to Victoria’s wildlife and their habitat. It commits to a range of reforms and initiatives that will help ensure Victorian wildlife and ecosystems are healthy, cared for and valued for future generations.

The Minister also announced a suite of initiatives to boost practical action and government support to for Victoria’s precious wildlife and those who care for them.

The media release announcing the Government response can be found here:

Stepping up support for wildlife welfare media release (PDF, 183.0 KB)

The Government response to the Wildlife Act Review can be found here:

Victorian Government response to the Wildlife Act Review
(PDF, 650.1 KB)

Victorian Government response to the Wildlife Act Review (accessible)
(DOCX, 79.6 KB)

The Wildlife Act Review report can be found here:

Wildlife Act Review Panel report
(PDF, 11.8 MB)

Wildlife Act Review Panel report (accessible summary)
(DOCX, 207.1 KB)

Why was the Wildlife Act reviewed?

An independent expert review of Victoria’s Wildlife Act 1975 was commissioned to examine options to modernise Victoria’s wildlife protection framework to meet current needs, and community values and expectations.

What was the review and consultation process?

An independent expert advisory panel (the Panel), was formed to conduct the review.

The Panel consulted extensively including:

• seeking advice and input from the general community, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, key interest groups, government bodies and relevant experts
• inviting submissions to inform the review.

The Panel's report to the Minister provides extensive analysis and a range of reform proposals. The Panel's advice and dedicated work, and the contribution of community members to the review is greatly appreciated.