Our experienced Climate Change team regularly publishes articles and updates - the full list of publications appears below. If you'd like to be notified when we add new climate change publications to the site, please go to our subscription page to sign up for email alerts or, alternatively, you can subscribe to our RSS feed.
You can also read our nine article series examining the main proposals contained in the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme White Paper.
- 03 July 2009
Focus: Regulations released on emissions-intensive trade-exposed industry assistance programThe Department of Climate Change has released draft regulations for public comment that set out the details of the emissions-intensive trade-exposed assistance program that is to form part of the Federal Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer John Henderson report
- 09 June 2009
Focus: Carbon capture and storage - environmental considerationsLast month, the Environment Protection and Heritage Council released the Environmental Guidelines for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Geological Storage - 2009. This followed the Federal Government's release of acreage and guidance notes for carbon capture and storage assessment under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth) in March 2009. Partner Chris Schulz, Senior Associate Emily Gerrard and Lawyer Sarah Dynon explore the environmental and planning issues relevant to applications for assessment permits under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
- 19 May 2009
Focus: CPRS legislation introduced into ParliamentThe Federal Government has introduced into Parliament legislation to implement its proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. The legislation as introduced has been modified in a number of respects from the exposure draft legislation that was released in March. Partner Grant Anderson reports.
- 12 May 2009
Client Update: COAG agrees changes to Renewable Energy Target schemePartner Grant Anderson and Lawyer Ben Strate report on changes to the design of the expanded national Renewable Energy Target scheme that were agreed by COAG on 30 April 2009
- 04 May 2009
Focus: Senate committee reports on draft CPRS legislationRecently, the Senate Standing Committee on Economics handed down its report on the draft legislation to implement the Federal Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. While the Federal Government requires the support of either the Opposition or the Greens and the two independent senators for the legislation to pass, the positions of the non-Government parties (as outlined in the report) make it clear that there is some way to go before the Government is likely to achieve the necessary support. Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer John Henderson report.
- 08 April 2009
Focus: Federal Government releases acreage for carbon capture and storage assessmentThe Federal Government has announced the world-first release of offshore areas for assessment as potential carbon injection and storage sites under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth). Partner Anna Collyer reports on this significant development on one of the foundation elements of the Government's emissions reduction strategy
- 01 April 2009
Focus: National greenhouse and energy reporting amendmentsRecently, amendment regulations have come into force that streamline the registration process for companies that are required to register and report under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme and that support the operation of amendments that have been made to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act. Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer Nick Buttner report
- 17 March 2009
Focus: NSW Government releases policy statement on rising sea levelsThe New South Wales Government has released its Draft Sea Level Rise Policy Statement for public comment. The policy outlines the government's response to rising sea levels and the associated effects of climate change. Partner Jim Parker and Lawyer Fleur Ramsay report on the policy and consider potential implications for coastal planning, development and land ownership in NSW
- 11 March 2009
Client Update: Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme exposure draft legislationYesterday afternoon the Federal Government released exposure draft legislation for its proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). While the draft legislation is extensive and submissions on it are due by 14 April, it closely mirrors the proposals put forward by the Government in its White Paper, Australia's Low Pollution Future, released on 15 December last year. These proposals are summarised in the nine-article series on the White Paper that is available in the Climate Change publications area of our website. Partner Grant Anderson reports
- 02 March 2009
Focus: Queensland greenhouse gas storage legislationStand-alone carbon storage legislation commenced in Queensland last week. This follows the earlier leads of Victorian and federal (offshore) legislation and, at some 450 pages, provides a detailed regime for storage of greenhouse gases within Queensland territorial borders. Partner Ben Zillmann and Senior Associate Rochelle Carey report on some of the key features of the legislation
- 26 February 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper - forestry, agriculture, offsets and energy efficiencyFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Jim Parker and Senior Associate Robyn Glindemann discuss in greater detail the White Paper's proposals on the treatment of forestry, agriculture, offsets and energy efficiency initiatives under the Scheme. This is the ninth and final in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 20 February 2009
Focus: Tax consequences of the Carbon Pollution Reduction SchemeFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Grant Cathro and Lawyer Penny Alexander discuss in detail the tax consequences of the proposed Scheme. This is the eighth in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 12 February 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper - carbon pass throughFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Grant Anderson discusses in greater detail the implications of the White Paper proposals for the contractual provisions that should be included in supply contracts, outsourcing contracts and joint venture agreements. This is the seventh in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 09 February 2009
Focus: Federal Government releases draft National Carbon Offset StandardLate last year, the Federal Government released a National Carbon Offset Standard Discussion Paper, together with a draft National Carbon Offset Standard. Partner Grant Anderson and Senior Associate Sarah Birrell describe the principal elements of the proposed standard, which has significant implications for the voluntary carbon market in Australia.
- 06 February 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper: carbon capture and storageFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Anna Collyer and Lawyer Damien Hughes discuss in greater detail the treatment of carbon capture and storage under the Scheme. This is the sixth in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 30 January 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper: emissions reduction targets and the use of international unitsFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer John Henderson discuss in greater detail the emissions reduction targets and the use of international units proposed for the Scheme, and give some international context to these proposals. This is the fifth in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 23 January 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper: carbon tradingFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner John Greig and Lawyers Emma Leske and Tim Dalton discuss in greater detail the White Paper proposals that are designed to facilitate the development of an efficient carbon market. This is the fourth in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 15 January 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper: electricity industryFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer John Henderson discuss in greater detail the assistance that is to be provided to coal-fired electricity generators and the impact of the Scheme on the electricity industry. This is the third in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 09 January 2009
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper: liability under the Carbon Pollution Reduction SchemeFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia's Low Pollution Future, Partner Grant Anderson discusses in greater detail the activities that will attract liability and the entities that will be liable under that scheme. This is the second in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 24 December 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe Federal Department of Climate Change recently released an exposure draft of legislation and regulations for the Federal Government's proposed expanded national renewable energy target scheme. Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer John Henderson look at the draft legislation and some associated proposals
- 23 December 2008
Focus: Detailed analysis of White Paper: emissions-intensive trade-exposed industriesFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's White Paper on its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme 'Australia's Low Pollution Future' , Partner Grant Anderson discusses in greater detail the assistance that is to be provided to emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries. This is the first in a series of articles that examines in more depth the principal proposals contained in the White Paper
- 15 December 2008
Client Update: White Paper on Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme releasedAt midday, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, released the much-anticipated White Paper that outlines the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the medium-term target for reducing national emissions
- 20 November 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe long-awaited enabling legislation for carbon capture and storage in Commonwealth offshore waters has been passed by the Federal Parliament. Partner Anna Collyer and Lawyer Damien Hughes look at the important last-minute Senate amendments to the legislation
- 07 November 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to facilitate and regulate carbon capture and storage activities in onshore Victoria. The passage of the legislation is in advance of the Federal Government's 'offshore' carbon capture and storage Bill, which is currently before the Senate. Partner Anna Collyer, Senior Associate Peter O'Sullivan and Lawyer Damien Hughes report
- 05 November 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangeChina's State Council Information Office recently released its White Paper on climate change. Partner Campbell Davidson and Lawyer Mark Harding report on this major policy statement from the Chinese Government
- 03 November 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeLate last week the Treasurer and the Minister for Climate Change and Water released the long-awaited Commonwealth Treasury modelling on the economic impact on Australia of reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the medium and long term. Partner Grant Anderson discusses the outcomes of that modelling
- 24 October 2008
Focus: Information Technology & Climate ChangeThe need to meet new emissions reporting requirements in 2009 will require many organisations to procure new information technology systems or modify existing systems to provide enhanced reporting systems capability. Partner Niranjan Arasaratnam and Senior Associate Ken Shiu report on what needs to be done to comply with the reporting requirements
- 23 October 2008
Focus: Climate ChangePartner Anna Collyer and Senior Associate Cate Barlow look at the progress of an important piece of Commonwealth carbon capture legislation
- 30 September 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangeThe Garnaut Climate Change Review's Final Report, which was released today, contains no surprises but simply confirms many of the findings and recommendations made in the Review's previous reports. Partner Grant Anderson reports
- 05 September 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangeProfessor Ross Garnaut's Supplementary Draft Report released today proposes a 'soft approach' to emission reduction targets, with the development of a comprehensive international agreement being critical to Australia accepting increased targets. Partner Matthew Skinner and Senior Associate Suzanne Westgate report
- 01 September 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe Voluntary Carbon Standard 2007 is one of the most internationally recognised voluntary standards for earning carbon credits. Partner Campbell Davidson and Lawyer Mark Harding examine the Voluntary Carbon Standard as an alternative, or complement, to Clean Development Mechanism approval for greenhouse gas-reducing projects in the PRC
- 07 August 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeIn a landmark decision, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has refused development consent to a housing development in South Gippsland because of climate change considerations, including the threat of increasing storm severity and rising sea levels. Partner Paul Lalich, Lawyer Fleur Ramsay and Paralegal Madeleine Ellicott report on the decision
- 29 July 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe ACCC has released a guideline, Carbon claims and the Trade Practices Act, that is intended to inform both the providers and users of carbon offsets of their obligations under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) where they make claims based on those carbon offsets. Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer Adam Ross report
- 24 July 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeFollowing on from our summary of the Federal Government's Green Paper on its proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme released on 16 July 2008, Partner Grant Anderson discusses in greater detail the proposals regarding the design of that Scheme
- 16 July 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangeOn 16 July 2008, the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, released a much-anticipated Green Paper that sets out the Federal Government's preferred model for Australia's proposed emissions trading scheme, to be known as the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Allens Arthur Robinson's Climate Change Group provides initial commentary on the key reforms proposed in the Green Paper
- 11 July 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeOn 2 July 2008, Federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong released a discussion paper canvassing two regulatory approaches for an expanded national renewable energy target scheme. Partner Grant Anderson, Senior Associate Robyn Glindemann and Lawyer Jessica Moir look at the discussion paper
- 08 July 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeFollowing on from his summary of the draft report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review released on 4 July 2008, Partner Grant Anderson discusses in greater detail some of the principal findings and recommendations of the draft report
- 04 July 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangeThe eagerly awaited draft report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review was released at lunchtime today. Partner Grant Anderson and Senior Associate Suzanne Westgate provide initial commentary on the findings of the draft report
- 02 July 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeOn June 26, the Federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong released the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations 2008, providing important detail for companies who may be required to report under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme which commences on 1 July 2008. Partner Grant Anderson, Senior Associate Robyn Glindemann and Lawyer Jess Moir look at the new regulations
- 30 May 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe Federal Government has released its long-awaited exposure draft of the Offshore Petroleum Amendments (Greenhouse Gas Storage) Bill 2008. The Bill's purpose is to establish the framework for access to offshore geological storage formations, and the creation of property rights for greenhouse gas injection and storage activities in Commonwealth offshore waters. The Federal Government has described the legislation as being 'world first', and its terms will be subject to international scrutiny
- 29 April 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangePartner Darren Murphy and Senior Associate Caitlin Westgarth report on the Federal Government's announcement to amend the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Regulations 2006 with effect from 1 July 2008 to avoid duplication with the reporting requirements under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System
- 16 April 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeA number of developments in the US indicate that it is likely to enact a federal climate change law, including nationwide mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions and the establishment of a nationwide emissions trading scheme. This would have a significant flow-on effect to the world carbon market. Partner Seamus Cornelius and Lawyer Mark Harding provide an overview of these recent developments
- 11 April 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeWhen the Federal Government implements the national emissions trading scheme (NETS), proposed to be in 2010, the New South Wales Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS) will cease to operate. The NSW Government has released its long-awaited consultation paper on the possible transitional arrangements. Partner Andrew Mansour and Lawyer Andrew Daly outline the proposed transition options
- 26 March 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeProfessor Ross Garnaut has released his discussion paper on the design of an Australian emissions trading scheme. The proposals contained in the paper will be an important input into the design of the Federal Government's scheme and some of them are likely to engender vigorous debate. Partner Grant Anderson reports
- 04 March 2008
Focus: PlanningThe extent to which climate change is relevant to major project assessment in NSW was recently examined by the NSW Land and Environment Court - this time in the context of 'flood impacts' and concept plan approvals under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). Partner Jim Parker and Senior Associate Suzanne Westgate review the court's recent decision in Walker v Minister of Planning and Anor
- 29 February 2008
Client Update: Climate ChangeProfessor Garnaut's recently released interim report on the impact of climate change in Australia outlines the type of recommendations that may feature in the ultimate report which will be released in September this year. Partner Grant Anderson and Senior Associate Suzanne Westgate report
- 19 February 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe ACCC has released a guideline entitled Green Marketing and the Trade Practices Act that is intended to assist manufacturers, suppliers and advertisers to avoid making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of the products or services that they produce, supply or advertise. Partner Grant Anderson and Articled Clerk Adel Mohamed report
- 11 February 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) provides the legislative framework for the operation of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System, which will be a key element of the proposed Australian emissions trading scheme. The Federal Government has released a policy paper that sets out the content of the regulations to be made under that Act. Partner Grant Anderson analyses the key points arising out of the paper
- 07 February 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has signalled that it will closely examine advertising containing references to carbon offsets and 'green' products to ensure that it is not misleading or deceptive. As part of its focus on this area, the ACCC has recently instituted proceedings in respect of particular advertisements and has also released an issues paper outlining its concerns over this form of advertising. Partner Grant Anderson and Lawyer Adam Ross report
- 08 January 2008
Focus: Climate ChangeThe Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is potentially a useful tool for companies from developed nations, providing a cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to generate an additional revenue stream for projects in developing nations. Partner Campbell Davidson and Lawyer Mark Harding provide an introduction to the CDM in China, which is currently one of the most attractive places for CDM investment
