Australia: Environmental Law

The Clean Energy Investor Group has released a comprehensive report examining the implementation of Australia's reformed Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. What specific recommendations does the report make to ensure faster, more efficient environmental assessments while strengthening protection outcomes for renewable energy 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?

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

Although the suite of Bills was passed in November 2025, the Senate Committee continued its inquiry on the draft legislative instruments and on the first two draft National Environmental Standards (NES) – the NES for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and the NES for Environmental Offsets. Several of the Senate Committee’s 14 recommendations relate to these draft NES.

Treasury's latest consultation on Australia's Sustainable Investment Product Labelling regime introduces mandatory consumer-facing disclosures and asset-based thresholds for financial products marketed with sustainability claims. The proposed framework aims to combat greenwashing while providing retail investors with clearer information about the sustainability characteristics of their investments. Meanwhile, new gender equality targets take effect for large employers, and multiple statutory reviews are res

The NSW Government has proposed a new Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy to consolidate climate change controls and strengthen climate risk assessment in development planning.

Australia is at a pivotal moment in clean technology development, driven by aligned international and domestic initiatives.

Critical role of operational-level grievance mechanisms in ensuring responsible and sustainable business conduct when operating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.

On 18 September 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia's commitment to a 62%–70% reduction in emissions by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.