The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EBPC Act) came into force on 16 July 2000.
It provides legislative protection to Commonwealth listed threatened species, migratory species, cetaceans (such as whales and dolphins) and listed marine species. In addition it provides for the creation and protection of Commonwealth protected areas (such as World Heritage Areas, Ramsar Wetlands and biosphere reserves), and regulates trade in wildlife.
For more information on the EBPC Act and to find a full copy of the Act go to the Environment Australia website.
A series of useful fact sheets relating to the EPBC Act can also be found on the WWF website.