Australia & The Ozone Hole
Australia — Historical Record

THE OZONE
HOLE

From first discovery to legislation — the story of UV danger and Australia's response

UV INDEX ↑ EXTREME
1981
Health
Slip! Slop! Slap! Launches in Australia
Cancer Council Victoria launches the iconic sun safety campaign featuring a dancing seagull — one of the world's first mass public health responses to UV danger, driven by Australia's already alarming skin cancer rates.
Public Health
1985
Science
British Scientists Publish the Ozone Hole Discovery
A British Antarctic Survey team publishes data showing abnormally low ozone concentrations above Antarctica. The paper shocks the scientific world and triggers global alarm about increased UV radiation reaching Earth's surface.
Discovery
1987
Policy
Montreal Protocol Agreed Globally
Nations commit to phasing out CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. Australia is a signatory. The protocol is widely regarded as the most successful environmental treaty in history.
International Treaty
1989
Policy
Australia Passes Ozone Protection Legislation
The Australian Government enacts the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 — domestic legislation to enforce Australia's obligations under the Montreal Protocol and restrict ozone-depleting substances.
Australian Law
2006
Science
Ozone Hole Reaches Its Largest Ever Recorded Size
The Antarctic ozone hole hits its peak recorded size. Australian UV exposure is at its highest risk — air currents periodically drag ozone-depleted air from Antarctica directly over southern Australia.
Peak Depletion
2008
Policy
Australian Government Releases Ozone Substance Study
A government-commissioned study of Australia's bank of ozone-depleting substances is publicly released in June 2008, mapping the scale of remaining chemical stocks that pose ongoing risks to the ozone layer.
Gov. Report
2022
Policy
Albanese Government Strengthens Ozone Laws
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Reform Bill 2022 is introduced, tightening regulations on ozone-depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases in Australia.
Reform
2025
Recovery
Ozone Hole Is 5th Smallest Since 1992
The 2025 ozone hole is confirmed as the fifth smallest on record since the Montreal Protocol took effect — roughly 30% smaller than the 2006 peak. Scientists confirm recovery is driven by the reduction of ozone-depleting substances. Full recovery to 1980 levels over Antarctica is projected for around 2066.
Recovery Confirmed
Science
Policy / Legislation
Health Response
Recovery Milestones
Australia & The Ozone Hole — 1981 to 2025