Ozone

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