Environment Bulletin - November 2022

Australia – Bill to improve ozone protection and synthetic greenhouse gas management introduced

The Australian Government has introduced the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Reform (Closing the Hole in the Ozone Layer) Bill 2022 to Parliament, which will modernise and streamline Australia’s laws for managing ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases. The amendments proposed by the Bill will strengthen measures to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Program remains efficient and effective.

Read the Australian Government’s media release here.

Queensland – Bill to strengthen environmental framework introduced

The Queensland Government has introduced the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 to parliament to modernise and strengthen the State’s environmental framework. The Bill aims to enable better consultation on resource projects, improve the environmental impact statement process, clarify contaminated land requirements, and resolve issues with implementing the estimated rehabilitation cost (ERC) and progressive rehabilitation and closure planning (PRCP) frameworks, among other proposed changes.

Read The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory’s media release here.

Tasmania – Changes to strengthen animal welfare laws proposed

The Tasmanian Government has introduced the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2022 into parliament. The Bill proposes additional sentencing options for animal cruelty and aggravated cruelty offences, among other things.

Read the Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water’s media release here.