It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in Australia is legal only under strict conditions, primarily due to wildlife protection laws. Native bird feathers are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), requiring permits for possession. The Nature Conservation Act 2014 (QLD) and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) impose additional state-level restrictions. Exceptions exist for non-native species or naturally molted feathers, but compliance is mandatory.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Australia
- EPBC Act Permits: Native bird feathers cannot be collected without a permit from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Permits are issued only for scientific, educational, or cultural purposes, with strict documentation requirements.
- State-Level Restrictions: Queensland and New South Wales enforce additional controls. In QLD, the Nature Conservation Act prohibits the collection of feathers from protected species, while NSW’s Biodiversity Conservation Act requires landholder consent for any feather collection.
- CITES Compliance: Feathers from migratory species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) require import/export permits. The 2026 EPBC Act reforms will further tighten controls on non-native species, aligning with global biodiversity targets.
Violations carry penalties up to $220,000 or imprisonment under federal law. Indigenous Australians may collect feathers for cultural purposes under Native Title rights, but documentation is still required. Always verify species origin and consult local wildlife agencies before collection.