A biosecurity outbreak is one of the few events that has the power to cripple industries overnight. As we have seen with COVID, if not prevented or rapidly addressed, an outbreak can threaten human health and industry profitability, and the impact can go beyond the industry involved, with flow-on effects to the rest of the economy.
The regulatory framework that governs foreign investment in Australia, known as the ‘FIRB’ regime, is complex and often requires expert assistance to navigate. This article provides an overview of the framework and the key considerations for those seeking to invest in Australia.
On 29 April 2022, the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning issued a Notice extending the currency and completion periods of current development approvals under the Planning Act 2016 by a further 12 months.
On 4 March 2022, in response to a dramatic increase in the value of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the Clean Energy Regulator announced it will allow holders of existing fixed delivery contracts to be released…
The Federal Government has announced further reforms to Australia’s foreign investment framework. The reforms seek to minimise the regulatory burden on foreign investors.
Effective from 12 February 2022, the conservation status of koalas in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory was lifted from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘endangered’.
The Queensland Government has commenced consultation regarding the possible establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Queensland.
The Queensland Government has recommenced its review of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003.
Eight petroleum and gas exploration areas have been released across the Bowen, Surat/Bowen, Eromanga and Adavale basins.
Former executive officers of a corporation have been found not liable under certain provisions of Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act for harm caused by the corporation in circumstances where the harm came to fruition after their tenure.
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (EPA) imposes duties to prevent environmental harm. There are significant liabilities for contravention.
The resources sector has been put on notice as industrial manslaughter offences commenced in Queensland on 1 July 2020, with senior officers facing a maximum 20 years’ jail and companies facing fines exceeding $13 million.