Australia: Environment

The Queensland Government has launched a comprehensive review of its Financial Provisioning Scheme for the resources industry, examining whether the current framework adequately balances environmental rehabilitation risks with industry growth and investment opportunities. Stakeholders from across the mining sector, investment community, and landholders are invited to provide feedback on the scheme's effectiveness and potential improvements.

As Group 2 entities commence their first reporting period under Australia's mandatory climate reporting regime, ASIC's early observations highlight key disclosure expectations and areas for caution.

Vanessa Thompson from Cooper Grace Ward's property, planning and environment team sits down with private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem to share her professional journey and insights into the firm. The conversation explores the evolution of planning and environment law while offering a glimpse into balancing a legal career with family life.

As Group 2 entities commence their first reporting period under Australia's mandatory climate reporting regime, ASIC's early observations highlight key disclosure expectations and areas for caution.

Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 reforms continue to progress, with the commencement of further provisions and the introduction of four new National Environmental Standards.

As Australia's data centre market accelerates to support AI infrastructure, organisations face mounting ESG challenges spanning energy demand, water constraints, planning frameworks and social licence.

Insights from the 2025 United Nations Business and Human Rights Forum in Geneva.

Companies that invest in comprehensive ESG risk management systems as part of a broader risk management framework will gain a competitive edge.

Both incentives were introduced in the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024.

The Supreme Court has confirmed that the threshold for establishing nuisance remains high, and that factual causation will be difficult to establish when there are multiple factors contributing to an incident.

The recent decisions demonstrate that offensive odour emissions will attract substantial penalties.

Link to article that explores opportunities, drivers & barriers for CCUS hubs, government initiatives to help support them & global approaches to developing them.