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Australia to Empower Environmental Watchdog, Penalize Corporate Offenders
21 Oct
Summary
- Albanese government plans to strip companies of financial gains from environmental law breaches
- New definition of "unacceptable impact" to be part of updated environment laws
- Penalties for significant breaches set at $1.6m for individuals, $825m for businesses
In a move to strengthen environmental protection, the Albanese government in Australia is preparing to introduce a package of landmark reforms to parliament in the next two weeks. According to Environment Minister Murray Watt, the proposed changes will empower the government to strip companies of any financial advantages they gained from breaching environmental laws.
Additionally, the new legislation will include a clear definition of "unacceptable impact", which Watt says will ensure certain areas are protected and businesses do not waste time pursuing projects that are unlikely to be approved. While some details, such as the role of a new independent environmental watchdog, are still being finalized, Watt remains optimistic that the laws will be passed before Christmas.
The reforms will also significantly increase penalties for major environmental violations, with fines of up to $1.6 million for individuals and $825 million for businesses. A new "civil penalty formula" will also be introduced to recoup any income gained through breaches of environmental law.
