Green tape reforms proposed for the Environmental Protection Act and Water Act

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...

New South Wales has introduced comprehensive Data Centre Guidelines to manage the rapid growth of data centre investment while addressing resource, environmental and community impacts. The framework establishes six core principles with 17 performance measures covering energy efficiency, water usage, consumer cost protection, renewable energy commitments and community benefits.

On May 22, 2025, the EU Commission adopted an implementing regulation to the EU's Deforestation Regulation ("EUDR") in which it identified the risk classification of countries...

Our monthly ESG bulletin provides a targeted snapshot of key developments we see as reflecting the “must know” trends in the Australian market and, where relevant, the international market.

Australia's mandatory climate-related disclosure regime requires certain companies to prepare sustainability reports alongside financial reports starting from 2025.

The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (the Bill) has passed the Queensland Parliament.

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.

As the first wave of disclosures has wrapped up, attention has turned to the next climate reporting cycles - particularly for June and September year-end companies. The question now is: what lessons can organisations take forward?

Australia's Environment Protection Reform Act 2025 introduces mandatory greenhouse gas emissions disclosure requirements for projects requiring federal environmental approval, while establishing the National Environmental Protection Agency as the new federal environmental regulator. Despite extensive debate, the reforms stopped short of implementing a "climate trigger" that would have made significant emissions a standalone matter of national environmental significance.

Noise restrictions are regulations or laws that limit the amount of noise in a specific area or at a specific time.

From 1 July 2019, all minimum pay rates in all modern awards as well as the national minimum wage will increase by 3%.

In the first substantive rulings on Australia's right to disconnect laws, the South Australian Employment Tribunal has determined that an Adelaide hairdressing salon did not breach its apprentices' rights despite sending frequent out-of-hours messages via TikTok and Snapchat. The Tribunal drew a critical distinction between unwelcome communication and actually preventing employees from disconnecting, establishing that subjective pressure without demonstrable consequences does not constitute a breach.

From 1 July 2026, Australia's national minimum wage will increase by 6% to $1,004.90 per week, while modern award minimum rates will rise by 4.75%. The Fair Work Commission has also announced the phasing out of the C13 classification level, requiring employers to review employment contracts and payroll systems to ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009.

Under Australian superannuation law, limited recourse borrowing arrangements typically require separate bare trusts for each asset acquired by an SMSF. However, certain exceptions allow multiple assets to be held in a single bare trust, including identical assets purchased simultaneously, permanent fixtures spanning multiple titles, and assets legally required to be dealt with together. Understanding these nuanced rules is critical to avoid serious compliance, tax, and duty implications.

When couples separate in Australia, superannuation is always included in the property pool and subject to division. Whether you keep your super, split it with your former spouse, or negotiate an alternative arrangement depends on mutual agreement or the court's assessment of contributions and future needs.

The Federal Court has imposed a record $1 million personal fine on an executive for attempting to induce competitors into cartel arrangements in the oil and gas services industry, despite all five attempts failing. The Court also issued a non-indemnification order preventing the executive from using insurance or company funds to pay the penalty, marking a significant escalation in competition law enforcement.

The Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal recently rejected an interlocutory application by an employer to dismiss a complaint where the employee had signed a deed of release that included a clause releasing the employer from any future claims.

When an employee arranged rubber ducks in a pentagram formation as a workplace prank, her employer swiftly terminated her employment for alleged bullying and workplace safety concerns. The Fair Work Commission examined whether this hasty dismissal was justified, revealing critical lessons about balancing health and safety obligations with fair disciplinary procedures.

Special counsel Jess Byrne reflects on her decade-long career progression at Cooper Grace Ward, from law clerk to her current role in the insurance team. She discusses her work in workers' compensation and CTP matters, highlighting the diverse client base and advocacy opportunities that define her practice.

Queensland's new Reportable Conduct Scheme, effective July 1, 2026, establishes comprehensive obligations for organizations working with children to investigate and report allegations of abuse or neglect. Schools, childcare centers, and other entities must navigate strict reporting timelines, procedural fairness requirements, and potential penalties for non-compliance.