In 2019, the Australian government announced its intention to implement a ban on the domestic trade of ivory. However, several years after the initial commitment, the trade remains legal under current Australian law. The delay has left the country in a position where it has not yet fulfilled the specific promise made to conservationists and the public regarding the closure of domestic ivory markets.

The issue centers on the discrepancy between the government's stated environmental goals and the lack of legislative action to enforce them. While international trade in ivory is strictly regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), domestic markets are governed by individual national laws. Australia’s failure to follow through on its 2019 pledge means that ivory products can still be bought and sold legally within its borders, provided they meet existing, less stringent requirements.

Conservation groups have expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that the continued availability of ivory in domestic markets can provide a cover for illegal trade and undermine global efforts to protect elephant populations. The government has not provided a definitive timeline for when the promised legislation will be introduced or finalized. As it stands, the policy remains a stated intention rather than a binding legal reality, leaving the domestic market open despite the high-profile announcement made years ago.