Labor to set up independent environmental protection agency and restore ‘trust and confidence’

Proposed EPA to collect data on the plight of the country's wildlife as Labor commits to global biodiversity targets

• Follow our Australian election live blog for the latest updates
• Read our latest election briefing and listen to today's campaign catchup podcast
• Voting guide to the election: everything you need to know
• Who should I vote for? Labor and Coalition policy guide
• Full coverage; Seat explorer; Election promises tracker
• Get our free news app; get our morning email briefing

Labor will establish an independent environment protection agency to enforce national conservation laws and collect data on the plight of the country's wildlife if it wins the election.

An Albanese government would also promise to give an annual ministerial statement on Australia's role in international negotiations on environmental issues, suggesting it would look to play a leadership role at global biodiversity talks and on issues such as whale protection.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning