Taking action that will positively impact the environment is no longer just about regulatory compliance. Investors and consumers are increasingly looking to companies that can demonstrate they are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment. Understanding your legal requirements and opportunities is the first step.
A few major achievements occurred at COP26, but it was not of the same magnitude as Paris. Read some of the highlights.
There has been an uptick in novel climate change litigation in Australia. Understand the key trends, in Australia and internationally.
A quick guide to some of the key words and phrases in the language of climate change and related to the concept of ‘carbon neutrality’ and ‘net zero carbon’.
A quick reference of renewable energy, emissions reduction and net zero emissions targets for each of the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.
Regulatory frameworks for the construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore assets.
The tide turns in for Australia’s offshore wind industry. Australia’s new offshore electricity infrastructure legislative framework goes live on 2 June 2022.
Waste management and resource recovery is primarily the responsibility of state and territory governments.
A biodiversity offset is a measure used to compensate for impacts on biodiversity resulting from development or vegetation clearing.
The wellbeing of people is imperative to any organisation. From your employees to local communities and global value chain, organisations must have policies and procedures in place to keep the people they impact safe and protect their human rights. Australia has recently implemented new Modern Slavery laws and made changes to employment laws to protect workers, both locally and throughout global value chains.
The proliferation of rights language in the corporate sphere is a relatively new phenomenon, however traces of it can be seen over the centuries
Certain entities in Australia are obliged to assess and report on the risk of modern slavery in their organisation and value chain.
Native title refers to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in relation to land or waters, held under traditional law and custom.
A number of state governments have introduced legislative reforms to combat wage underpayment which expose employers to civil and criminal liability.
In the private sector, whistleblowers are entitled to make anonymous and protected disclosures for certain complaints, laws where were recently extended.
Australia recently implemented a suit of legislative reforms to sexual harassment laws in response to a national inquiry into sexual harassment in workplaces.
Legislation was recently passed which redefined casual employment and introduced a statutory obligation for casual workers to be offered permanent employment.
Work health and safety is governed by a national regime. State legislation reflects Safe Work Australia’s ‘model law’ obliging employers to protect workers.
The “G” in ESG essentially refers to the legislation and governance requirements organisations must adhere to surrounding ESG issues. Failing to comply can have both regulatory and reputational impacts, and can also leave companies potentially exposed to litigation risk. Embedding ESG into decision making and reporting within an organisation is now critical to the sustainability of organisations into the future.
For funds managers, ESG factors represent another qualitative element considered in making investment decisions.
Australian regulators are active, well-resourced and conscious of the importance of environmental and social credentials in consumer decision-making.
Measurement of tax performance has expanded beyond traditional metrics to include factors such as responsible tax policy and risk management.
For Financial Services organisations, it is important to understand the intersection of ESG considerations with Australian regulatory requirements.
Domestic or foreign bribery is treated very seriously under Australian law, with large fines for companies and potential imprisonment for individuals.
The proliferation of rights language in the corporate sphere is a relatively new phenomenon, however traces of it can be seen over the centuries.