Bulletin
SA Environmental Legislation - Waste - Unsuccessful prosecution
A waste recovery company was charged with two counts of contravening a condition of its environmental authorisation as they had stockpiled mixed construction and industrial waste in an uncovered area. However, the judge has ruled against the EPA because the waste does not fit the definition of ‘waste’ under the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010. The judge considered the fact that the waste had been reprocessed and, although it required further reprocessing, it was to be sold for immediate use. The EPA is considering the option of appealing the decision as it has created uncertainty for the regulation of recyclable. More here and here.
WHS Legislation QLD - Construction - Formwork Code of Practice
WorkCover QLD has released its Formwork Code of Practice 2016, which has now commenced. The updates to the existing Formwork Code of Practice 2006 will ensure it is responsive to any industry needs or safety concerns, current best practice in formwork safety management, and be consistent with the model work health and safety laws. More
NT - Oil and gas - Petroleum (Environment) Regulations released
The Department of Mines and Energy is seeking feedback on the draft Petroleum (Environment) Regulations. The Regulations will use Ecologically Sustainable Development principles, and will focus on minimising environmental impacts to as low as practicable. Under the Regulations, approved Environment Management Plans will become legally binding public documents. Comments close 4 April 2016. More here and here.
WA OHS Legislation - Safety - supermarkets inspection program announced
WorkSafe WA is conducting an inspection program, targeting safety standards in supermarkets and grocery stores. During the inspections, inspectors will focus on manual tasks, training, safety systems, procedures, access, forklifts, ladders, safety steps and trolleys, among other things. The campaign will be conducted throughout the state, for the remainder of the financial year. More
Australia - Biosecurity - Draft Biosecurity Act 2015 released
The Australian Government has released a third tranche of delegated legislation under the Biosecurity Act 2015. It has also released the draft Biosecurity (Prohibited and Conditionally Non-Prohibited Goods) Determination 2016) and draft Biosecurity (Reportable Biosecurity Incidents) Determination 2016. The tranche provides information on how cost recovery will work under the new Act, and includes exposure drafts of the Biosecurity (Cost Recovery) Regulation 2016, Biosecurity Charges Imposition (General) Regulation 2016 and the Biosecurity Charges Imposition (Customs) Regulation 2016. More
Click to learn more about the 10 obligations that are vital to achieving compliance against the Biosecurity Act today.
WHS Legislation QLD - Smoking - New smoking laws passed
The QLD Government has passed new smoking laws, reducing smoking areas and tobacco sales. The new laws will ban smoking at children’s organised sporting events, childhood education centres, residential aged care facilities, and all outdoor pedestrian malls. The smoke-free buffer will also be increased to 5 m away from entrances of all government, commercial and non-residential buildings. The new laws will come into effect on 1 September 2016. More