{"id":"F2026L00081","name":"Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Mogurnda adspersa) (Murray-Darling Basin population) (433) Determination 2026","slug":"environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":107683,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2026L00081-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Mogurnda adspersa) (Murray-Darling Basin population) (433) Determination 2026","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\ntitle: Attach D - Legislative Instrument - 517 determination - template\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.jpeg)\n\n \n\nEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Mogurnda adspersa) (Murray-Darling Basin population) (433) Determination 2026\n\nI, Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, make the following instrument.\n\nDated 28 January 2026\n\nMurray Watt    \n\nMurray Watt\n\nMinister for the Environment and Water\n\n \n\n1  Name\n\n  This instrument is the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Mogurnda adspersa) (Murray-Darling Basin population) (433) Determination 2026.\n\n2  Commencement\n\n  This instrument commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n3  Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under section 517 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.\n\n4  Determination\n\n  Mogurnda adspersa (Murray-Darling Basin population) is a species for the purposes of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.\n\n \n\n \n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument's stated scope is to make a single determination: that Mogurnda adspersa (Murray‑Darling Basin population) is a species for the purposes of the EPBC Act (section 4). The text contains no indication of an expansion or contraction of that stated purpose, nor any amendment to other instruments. Therefore there is no evidence within this instrument that its scope changed from its apparent original intent; it performs the single, narrow function set out in the instrument."},"complexity_factors":["Single operative provision declaring species status (section 4) — short and narrowly focused","Dependence on external legislation (EPBC Act) for the operative effects and implementation (section 3 references s517 of the EPBC Act)","Absence of explanatory material or factual findings in the instrument — interpreters must consult external records or the Act to determine downstream effects (section 4)","Standard administrative detail only (commencement timing in section 2) — low procedural complexity","Ministerial authority present but the instrument does not elaborate on decision criteria, increasing reliance on external statutory interpretation (section 3)"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument declares the Murray‑Darling Basin population of Mogurnda adspersa to be a “species” for the purposes of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, made by the Minister under s517 and taking effect the day after registration. Its practical effect is to change legal status under the EPBC Act—affecting regulated actors and administrative processes—but it does not itself set out regulatory measures, reasons, or enforcement details."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation performs exactly the narrow, technical function intended by section 517 of the EPBC Act: listing a specific population as a species. There is no scope creep or expansion beyond this original purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Extremely short: only 4 operative sections spanning less than one page","No defined terms section — all terms used are either common language or defined externally in the parent Act","No cross-references beyond a single citation to the enabling provision (section 517)","No conditional logic, exceptions, or procedural requirements","Single substantive provision: a straightforward declaration that one specific population constitutes a species","No schedules, tables, or annexures"],"plain_english_summary":"This is a short legal document that officially recognises a specific fish population as a 'species' under Australia's main environmental law.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Adds **Mogurnda adspersa (Murray-Darling Basin population)** — a small freshwater fish commonly known as the **southern purple-spotted gudgeon** — to the list of species protected under the *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999* (the EPBC Act).\n\n**Why this matters:**\n- Once listed, this fish population gains legal protection. Any project that might significantly impact it (such as dams, water extraction, or development) must now be assessed and approved under federal environmental law.\n- The Murray-Darling Basin population is treated separately from other populations of the same species, meaning it can have its own conservation status and protection level.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Farmers and irrigators** in the Murray-Darling Basin who may need federal approval for water infrastructure or land use changes.\n- **Developers** proposing projects near waterways where this fish lives.\n- **Government agencies** responsible for water management and environmental approvals.\n- **Scientists and conservation groups** working to protect native fish.\n\n**Key point:** This is a 'species determination' made under **section 517** of the EPBC Act. It allows the Minister to declare that a distinct population (even if technically the same species elsewhere) counts as its own 'species' for protection purposes. This recognises that the Murray-Darling population faces unique threats — such as drought, water extraction, and habitat loss — that don't necessarily affect other populations elsewhere in Australia."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati","history":"/api/acts/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati/history","analysis":"/api/acts/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/environment-protection-and-biodiversity-conservation-mogurnda-adspersa-murray-darling-basin-populati/documents"}}