A climate change duty of care: Sharma v Minister for the Environment

31 May, 2021
The recent decision of Justice Bromberg in Sharma v Minister for the Environment [2021] FCA 560 found that a novel duty of care is owed by the Minister for the Environment to Australian children who might suffer potential “catastrophic harm” from the climate change implications of approving the extension to the Vickery coal mine in New South Wales. Read more

Spotlight on the EPBC Act

03 March, 2014
Late-2013 saw plenty of activity around environmental assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). On 16 October 2013, the Minister for the Environment announced a three-step framework for the implementation of the Federal Government’s ‘one-stop-shop’ policy. Meanwhile, on 20 December 2013, the Department of the Environment released new Significant Impact … Read more

Productivity Commission announces inquiry into mineral and energy resource exploration

29 October, 2012
The Productivity Commission (Commission) has announced a 12 month inquiry into the non financial barriers to mineral and energy resource exploration. The inquiry was established on the recommendation of the Policy Transition Group, which noted that ‘a range of approvals are required before exploration can begin, including land access, native title, indigenous and non-indigenous heritage, … Read more