ARELJ Recent Development - Industrial Manslaughter in the Queensland Resources Sector

Changes to the Fair Work Act may benefit the energy and resources sector

The energy and resources sector is a significant contributor to the economy, and its impact is estimated to continue to grow over the next decade. The Australian Resources and Energy Group (AMMA) estimates that the sector will add over 24,000 new workers by 2026 to support 98 new and expansion projects worth over $83 billion. The roles available could double depending not the construction and flow-on work required.  Western Australia and Queensland are expected to benefit the most from these initiatives.

ARELJ Article - Public Duties on the Disposal of Australia's Non-Renewable Resources: The Case for Regulatory Reform

ARELJ Case Note - Implications of New Provisions in the Human Rights Act Following Waratah Coal Decision

The states boost the energy and resources sector

This year will be remembered for the many challenges that it brought to both individuals and industry. As Australia starts to return to some normality, many states are looking to boost industry, increase jobs and innovate for the future. In this article, we look at various state initiatives designed to boost the energy and resources sector.

The low emissions technology investment roadmap

On 22 September, the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction released the first Low Emissions Technology Statement (the Technology Statement). The document clearly shows the Government is moving away from subsidising wind and solar as the technology matures, and looks to support new and emerging technologies that will lower emissions in Australia. According to the Minister, the Technology Statement also focuses on reducing cost and creating jobs. 

Implications of the Interim report on Commonwealth environmental protection laws

Professor Graeme Samuel recently released his Interim Report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act). The report is highly critical of the EPBC Act, reporting that it neither ensures effective environmental and biodiversity protections nor efficiently regulates business.

In the report, Professor Samuel makes several recommendations, some of which have already become priority areas for the government. These have significant implications for the energy and resources industry. 

ARELJ - Case Note - Judgement Clarifies Extent of Non-Conforming Use Protections

ARELJ - Comment - New Powers to Disqualify Persons from holding Resource Authorities in Queensland

How foreign investment changes may impact the mining and energy sector

In early June 2020, the government announced a review of the foreign investment rules, expanding them to apply to all foreign investors in anything deemed a ‘sensitive national security business’. The changes are scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2021.

There are concerns that this will impact foreign investment in the mining and energy sectors, and in particular the critical minerals space.