Every 10 years there is an independent review into the operations of the EPBC Act. The first review, the Hawke Review found that there needs to be both better recognition of the role and better promotion of Indigenous knowledge when it comes to biodiversity and conservation. The Independent Review of the EPBC Act- Final Report October 2020 by Prof Graeme Samuel AC found that the EPBC Act is not fulfilling its objectives as they relate to the role of Indigenous Australians in protection and conserving biodiversity and heritage and promoting the respectful use of knowledge.
The operation of the Act forgoes the enormous benefits that can be derived when Indigenous knowledge is fully considered in decision-making.