ACT Government to legislate protection of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

The Australian Capital Territory Government is proposing to amend the territory's Human Rights Act in order to recognise and protect the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. In this note, we explore potential implications of the new bill, where it fits in with the Australian and global context on the right to a healthy environment, and considerations arising for business. Read more

Guiding us through the transition back to the Aboriginal Heritage Act – Guidelines released

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 (WA) has now officially been repealed and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) has been reinstated with amendments. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has published two new guideline documents on their website to aid in understanding the operation of the amended Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). This blog post sets out the key details of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage's guidance documents and the State Government funding that has recently been announced to assist proponents to comply with their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). Read more

Have your say on the draft NSW energy policy framework

To support the clean energy transition, draft guidelines for wind, solar, transmission, benefit-sharing and private agreements have been released by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. This new policy package should be reviewed by existing and prospective applicants of clean energy and transmission projects in NSW. Read more

Safeguard Mechanism reforms: New guidelines released on emissions-intensity determination applications and a review for a potential carbon border adjustment underway

In October 2023, the Clean Energy Regulator released guidelines to assist responsible emitters and auditors making applications for an emissions-intensity determination. For existing Safeguard Mechanism facilities, this determination will be an important factor in how a facility’s unique baseline will be calculated under the reformed Safeguard Mechanism scheme. Read more

Developers must meet improved sustainability standards in NSW

Residential and non-residential development in NSW is subject to more stringent sustainability standards under the new State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022. This is expected to put sustainability at the forefront of development and contribute to the delivery of a net zero economy in NSW by 2050.   Read more

Queensland legislates for hydrogen injection into gas pipelines

The Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 (Qld) (the Legislation) was passed by Queensland Parliament on 10 October 2023.  The Legislation will commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation. As part of a regulatory review to support the regulation of renewable hydrogen development and use in Queensland, the Legislation will provide a regulatory framework to support the development of Queensland’s renewable hydrogen industry by amending the Gas Supply Act 2003 (Qld) (GS Act) and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld) (P&G Act). Read more