According to a media statement from the Government of Western Australia, the state has entered into a new era with State Parliament passing history-making new environmental laws in September 2016.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said that, "The passing of the Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2015 in Parliament yesterday delivered conservation powers never before seen in this state."

The State Government has replaced the previous legislation with a more contemporary, robust Act that ensures accountable and effective governance of biodiversity conservation.

Under the old Act, people attempting to smuggle native fauna out of WA faced a maximum fine of $4,000 to $10,000 for animals that can be worth more than $100,000 each overseas.

The new Act has increased the maximum penalties to up to $500,000 to provide a real deterrent to those considering serious wildlife crimes.

The new Act has enhanced special protection for whales, dugong and dolphins, and enables listing as critical habitat areas of land or water that are critical to the survival of a threatened species or community.

Fines have increased to $1 million for illegally obtaining sandalwood, and for the first time, WA has verifiable record keeping of trading and processing of sandalwood.