An Australian government delegation headed to Geneva later that month and formally announced the federal government's intention to ban domestic ivory sales. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementBut in 2026, the same gaping legal loophole still allows ivory to be traded within Australia's borders. It's nearly impossible for authorities to distinguish between ancient pieces of jewellery or homewares and newly smuggled items, allowing criminals to continue an illegal trade. Conservationists say Australia's failure to ban domestic ivory sales helps create a market for elephant poaching. (Getty)IFAW's Neree Pateman quipped that "an elephant never forgets" and the Australian government should not forget its promise to ban ivory.