As we near the end of 2025 and bring together experts representing both enthusiastic amateur and professional ornithologists from across Australasia, it’s a time for us to focus on what is going to matter most for bird conservation in years to come.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which AOC 2025 is taking place, and the traditional ecological and ornithological knowledge of all the lands on which this research has taken place. We want to emphasise the ongoing need to respect and invest in Traditional Ecological Knowledge and our First Nations people if we are to effectively address conservation questions in Australasia.

Whilst the Australian Federal Government seeks to reform the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), we remain uncertain that the proposed changes will work to protect birds and prevent further loss to biodiversity.

These nature law reforms have generated significant concern among the ornithological community. In particular, the removal of the requirement to have a Recovery Plan for all threatened species, the lack of clear limits on habitat destruction, and that there may be no independent referee to enforce the new rules. Future Ministers will rely on the advice of their department and the views of their constituents when applying these laws. Their decisions must be driven by sound knowledge and data in a rapidly changing environment. Ongoing investment into research and filling of knowledge gaps, must be combined with well-resourced and co-ordinated conservation efforts.

The potential impact of H5 bird flu on austral bird communities, including threatened birds and other susceptible species, is of great concern. As we have seen the impact of mass mortality on bird populations overseas, stronger laws must adequately consider, protect and mitigate threats for all wild birds, and conservation programs must be implemented that build resilience of the most susceptible species to withstand what lies ahead.

The program at AOC 2025 demonstrates the quality and breadth of ornithological research taking place in Australasia. We have amazing human resources, with knowledge and expertise in so many fields, and we are making technological advances that allow us to gather information in innovative ways. But all of this requires sustained investment, as there remain so many questions that need to be answered.

Let the quality and innovation of the program of AOC 2025 inspire us by demonstrating how our collective efforts in ornithological research and conservation can advance our understanding, technologies and adaptation, and drive greater impact to advancing policy, legislation and investment in much needed collective effort.