Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 05 JUNE 2024

ESG updates - perfection not expected, but continuous improvement is

Bartier Perry Solicitors
Explore more from Bartier Perry Solicitors

Summarises key Environmental, Social & Governance updates impacting government agencies.

AustraliaEnvironment
Eric Kwan
Eric Kwan
Rebecca Hegarty
Rebecca Hegarty
Samantha Pacchiarotta
Samantha Pacchiarotta
Author LinkedIn connections

The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) space has seen several significant developments over the past year. NSW has seen guidance on modern slavery reporting further refined, signalling the importance of this issue, especially for government agencies. We've also seen huge strides towards developing a universally recognised and consistent international framework on ESG reporting. Within Australia, the focus on greenwashing (particularly in financial products) has never been more front of mind for regulators.

This article summarises key ESG updates impacting government agencies.

A quick refresher - ESG from a government lens

ESG factors play a crucial role in evaluating sustainability efforts. When applied to government agencies, ESG encompasses:

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

EPBC Act Reforms: Consultation On Proposed Regulations To Support Final Tranche Of Reforms

Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has released consultation papers outlining the regulatory framework for the final phase of environmental protection reforms under the EPBC Act. With submissions closing on 13 October 2026 and implementation scheduled for 1 December 2026, these reforms will fundamentally reshape how projects are assessed and approved, introducing streamlined pathways...
AustraliaEnvironment
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Podcast

Corrs High Vis: Episode 62 - Power, Planning & Data Centres - Inside NSW’s New Guidelines (Podcast)

The NSW Government has released a comprehensive data centre policy framework establishing new guidelines for electricity network connections, planning approvals, and environmental standards. These reforms require data centres to contribute to network infrastructure costs, procure renewable energy, and demonstrate demand flexibility while offering streamlined approval pathways for compliant projects.
AustraliaEnvironment
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Article

New South Wales–No Shortcuts On Scope 3: High Court Puts Scope 3 Emissions Back On The Table For Resource Projects

The High Court of Australia has ruled that NSW planning authorities must consider Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions when assessing resource and energy development applications. In a landmark 3:2 decision, the Court invalidated approval for the Mount Pleasant coal mine extension, establishing that consent authorities cannot fulfill their climate change obligations by examining only Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
AustraliaEnvironment
K&L Gates
K&L Gates
Article

UN Special Rapporteur On The Human Right To A Clean, Healthy, And Sustainable Environment Intervenes In Proceedings In An Australian First

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment has made history by intervening in Australian Federal Court proceedings challenging the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project until 2070. The intervention raises critical questions about how international environmental law obligations should inform the interpretation of Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, particularly regarding climate change impacts and heritage
AustraliaEnvironment
Jones Day
Jones Day
Article

Who Signs The Termination Letter Matters – The Importance Of The Decision-maker

The Full Federal Court's decision in Totino v Metro Trains Melbourne clarifies how employers can successfully defend general protections claims when dismissing employees who have made workplace complaints or workers compensation claims. The case establishes critical principles about who must give evidence, the distinction between advisers and decision-makers, and why proper documentation of the decision-making process is essential for employers facing the reverse burden of proof.
AustraliaEmployment and HR
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Dividend Payments - Key Issues For Australian Company Directors

Dividends are a common way for companies to distribute value to shareholders, but whether to declare or pay a dividend is not simply a commercial decision. Directors must ensure that any dividend complies with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the company’s constitution and relevant governance requirements, while considering their duties to the company and its creditors.
AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Federal Budget 2026–27: Key Tax Changes And What Clients Need To Know

On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, the Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, handed down the 2026–27 Federal Budget. The Federal Budget introduces the most significant tax reforms aimed at reshaping how income and wealth are taxed in Australia. The Government is seeking to rebalance the system by reducing tax on income from work and increasing tax on income from assets, and then using that difference to fund personal tax relief and influence housing behaviour.
AustraliaTax
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

When “Down Down” Wasn’t Really Down - Federal Court Rules Against Coles

In its judgement delivered on 14 May 2026, the Federal Court has found that Coles engaged in misleading conduct in relation to its long-running “Down Down” promotion, accepting the ACCC’s case that many advertised discounts were not genuine. The Court held that 13 of the 14 sample “Down Down” tickets examined in the hearing conveyed false or misleading price discount representations because the stated “was” price had not applied for a reasonable period before the promotion.
AustraliaConsumer Protection
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Suspicious Minds: What You Need To Know About AML/CTF Suspicious Matters Reports

Reporting entities under Australia's AML/CTF Act face strict obligations when suspicious matters arise, with tight deadlines of just 24 hours for terrorism financing and 3 business days for other suspicions. Understanding what constitutes 'reasonable grounds' for suspicion, recognizing red flags, and avoiding tipping off offences are critical compliance requirements that demand robust internal processes and staff training.
AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Shareholder Oppression - Protecting Your Rights As A Shareholder

When you invest your time, money and energy into a company, you expect to be treated fairly and to have your rights as a shareholder respected. But what happens when those rights are ignored, or worse, actively undermined? Shareholder oppression is a serious issue that can have significant financial implications. If you suspect that your rights are being compromised, it’s important to act promptly to protect your interests.
AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

The Fair Work Act Goes Global - When Overseas Employees Fall Under The Act

Australian courts are increasingly examining whether the Fair Work Act applies to employees working entirely overseas. A recent Fair Work Commission decision reveals that jurisdiction may hinge not on where an employee performs their duties, but on the technical question of where the employment contract was legally formed—with significant implications for employers managing remote and offshore workforces.
AustraliaEmployment and HR
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors