Whether environment laws can stop extinction examined

Climate change and the destruction of habitats were the biggest risks to local wildlife, she said.

"The Albanese government went to the election promising to fix Australia's broken environment laws, but almost two years in we are yet to see any progress," she said.

"Closed-door consultations only silence experts and stifle ambition, this will not solve our extinction crisis."

The parliamentary inquiry is looking at the population decline and conservation status of threatened species, the technological impact of extinction and whether environmental laws and regulations are fit for purpose. 

The plight of koalas and their loss of habitat with housing and other developments have been particularly prominent in recent months.

Hearings in April will tackle the reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act.

The full inquiry into extinction in Australia will report on June 28.