New South Wales – Emissions – New regulations for greenhouse gas emissions commenced
The NSW Government has announced the commencement of the Protection of the Environment Operations Legislation Amendment Regulation 2026 which introduces new licence conditions for greenhouse gas emissions, among other things.
Australia – Chemicals – Draft evaluation statement for PFAS released
The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme is seeking feedback on a draft evaluation statement on the industrial use and importation or manufacture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australia. The evaluation covers the 522 PFAS on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals, and identifies which of these were introduced into Australia, what they were used for and the volume introduced. This information will be used to prioritise future PFAS risk assessments.
Comments close 2 December 2026.
New South Wales – Waste Bill to strengthen plastic reduction measures passed
The NSW Government has passed the Environmental Legislation Amendment (Plastic Reduction and Container Recycling) Bill 2026 which will make further provision for plastic reduction and the Plastics Plan 2.0. By 2030, soy sauce fish containers will need to be recyclable and fruit and vegetable stickers will need to transition to be compostable, and by 2028, single-use takeaway coffee cups will need to be recyclable, among other café requirements and a voluntary reusable cup scheme.