The ACF Investigations Unit is a watchdog dedicated to protecting nature and our climate by holding the government and private sector to account.
We investigate unethical, illegal, polluting and damaging behaviour, and advocate for policy change.
Logging in Toolangi State Forest, VIC. Photo: Dale Cochrane
Exposing environmental crime, corruption, and negligence.
We follow tip-offs from the community, monitor irreplaceable habitats and high-risk pollution zones, and keep a watchful eye on the systems and decisions we expect to protect nature, climate and our democracy.
We look at aerial imagery, analyse public data, and obtain documents through targeted Freedom of Information requests. We speak with communities and scientists, go spotlighting with field experts, fly drones to gather evidence and spot threatened animals with infrared.
Once we’ve finished investigating a case, we assess the most impactful way to respond – including legal action, publicity, or advocacy.
Gathering evidence of greater gliders at Shallow Crossing, NSW. Photo: Stuart Cohen/Bottlebrush Media.
We made over 150 FOI requests to increase transparency of decisions that threaten nature, water, air and our democracy. Analysis in our Access denied report shows that our FOI requests are being increasingly delayed and denied.
We uncovered plans by Woodside to dump an 83-metre long steel and plastic mooring next to the Ningaloo World Heritage Area. After ACF’s investigation and more than 8,000 public submissions from the ACF community, Woodside withdrew its plan to dump the mooring next to the reef.
2,100 volunteers joined us in our first crowdsourced investigation to scan 3,681,000 hectares of at-risk native habitat for land clearing. It helped uncover that critical habitat for the endangered regent honeyeater was being destroyed near Armidale, and help us take action.
Before sending us a tip, we encourage you to access the Human Rights Law Centre’s Climate and Environmental Whistleblowing guide. This is particularly important if you came across the information as an employee, officer, contractor, or volunteer.
• Sending information via our form
• Mail us at PO Box 2699, Canberra ACT 2601
• Or text us on 0455 299 923 via Signal or Whatsapp
The latest in investigations.