Environmental Bulletin – January 2022

WA – Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation passed

The WA Government has passed legislation that will repeal the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and provide better protections for Aboriginal cultural heritage in Western Australia. Work will now be done to design processes that will enable the laws to be implemented, including drafting of regulations, detail regarding the consultation and agreement-making processes, and capacity development.

Read the Premier of Western Australia’s press release here.

View the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 here. 

VIC – Legislation to address biosecurity risk from animal activists proposed

The VIC Government has introduced the Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Bill 2021 in response to the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture. The Bill is intended to address the biosecurity risk posed by trespassing animal activists by introducing new offences and allowing the issuing of infringement notices, among other things.

Read the Premier of Victoria’s press release here. 

Australia – Legislation to regulate offshore energy projects passed

The Australian Government has passed a package of three bills which will support the development of Australia’s offshore energy industry. The legislation will establish the regulatory framework for electricity infrastructure projects in Commonwealth waters, and is expected to commence within six months from assent.

Read the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction’s press release here.