21-30 of 175 results
Environment Protection Act fires the starting pistol for private actions
The new Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) (the EP Act) brings a raft of changes, including introducing direct third-party enforcement rights. Eligible people will be able to bring actions against individuals and businesses they claim are in breach of the new Act from 1 July 2022. This Insight outlines the key things companies should know about the third-party enforcement rights regime. ...
Competition and consumer law risks to be aware of in relation to ESG
As businesses continue to focus on ESG it's important to be aware of potential competition and consumer law risks, including misleading environmental claims and anti-competitive industry collaboration. After watching this short Video, you will have a clear understanding of both of these issues and some of the practical steps you can take to prevent these risks. ...
Tightening the net: increased director liability for environmental crimes in NSW
The recently passed Environmental Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (NSW) (the Amendment Act) exposes directors and managers of companies to additional criminal and civil liability for breaches of environmental laws. It is now more important than ever that companies have robust processes in place to ensure they are operating in an environmentally satisfactory manner. It is also critical for directors and managers (and those who advise directors and management) to understand their potential exposure to criminal liability for actions taken (or not taken) by companies. ...
Changes to and consolidation of SEPPs – a S(t)EPP in the right direction or a missed opportunity?
In this Insight, we examine recent changes to state environmental planning policies (SEPPs), and ask whether they achieve the stated objectives. ...
Update on the Draft Design and Place SEPP
The widely anticipated draft Design and Place SEPP has now been publicly exhibited and contains some surprising departures from last year's Explanation of Intended Effects. The question is whether it achieves the goal to ‘simplify and consolidate… good design in NSW'. ...
New year, new regulations: what to know about EP&A Regulation
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (2021 Regulation) comes into effect on 1 March 2022. Here, we explain the key things you need to know to prepare yourself for these changes. ...
Three things to consider with ESG investing
Alongside record flows into sustainable funds and investments, growing attention on ESG presents opportunities and challenges for investors and fund managers alike. Watch our latest video on key steps to harnessing the opportunities and mitigating the risks that ESG investing brings. ...
Rezoning reforms: rewriting the rulebook
The release of the new LEP guideline in December 2021 was the first step towards major rezoning reform. The second step - outlined in a discussion paper by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) aims to rewrite the rulebook. Here, we explore the changes already made, as well as those open for comment. ...
Planning reforms – understanding the deluge of proposed reforms
In late 2021, extensive planning reform proposals were announced across a range of policy areas. In this series of Insights, our Planning and Environment team will cover what you might’ve missed, and the key points to consider when preparing submissions and responding to these reforms. ...
Four key legal developments NSW mine operators need to watch in 2022
NSW mine operators should closely monitor the trends emerging from planning and court decisions, particularly operators with upcoming expansions or new projects that will require new or modified approvals. It is also important for mine operators to be across the numerous pending legal reforms which will come into effect in 2022 and ensure they are complying with the new requirements. ...