Sustainability policy and regulation in Australia
Policy and regulation for sustainability and ESG teams, reporting entities, responsible investors and circular-economy businesses. Below are the official items from the last 14 days that we rated high or medium for Sustainability, each linked to its official source.
What we match to Sustainability
We rate each item for Sustainability. Items on these subjects, among others, are matched to this sector:
- Sustainability reporting and ESG
- Energy and climate
- Environment, packaging and recycling
- Consumer law and product safety
Official items from the last 14 days
As at 3:51 am on 21 Oct 2026 (Sydney time), 30 official items from the last 14 days are rated high or medium for Sustainability.
High Seas Biodiversity (Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction Entry into Force) Notice 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryMurray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, announced under the High Seas Biodiversity Act 2026 that the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, done at New York on 20 September 2023, enters into force for Australia on 23 October 2026.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 21 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Safeguard Mechanism review (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Productivity Commission submitted a review of the Safeguard Mechanism on 17 September 2026, published 19 October 2026. The submission considers how the mechanism can support Australia's emissions reduction objectives while maintaining market-based foundations. It supports preserving flexible compliance arrangements, broadening scheme coverage over time, and introducing a border carbon adjustment for cement and clinker alongside removing overlapping trade-exposed assistance.
Source: Productivity Commission
Partnerships secure almost 400,000 hectares for Queensland's protected area estate (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Queensland Government and The Nature Conservancy have partnered to purchase three properties in Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria: Kendall River Station (137,000 hectares), Westmoreland Station (90,000 hectares), and Cliffdale Station (169,000 hectares). The Albanese Government contributed $3.5 million to Westmoreland Station through the Protecting Important Biodiversity Areas Program. The acquisitions protect habitat for threatened species including palm cockatoos, grey falcons and Carpentarian grasswrens, and contain nationally significant wetlands and savanna woodlands.
(c) State of Queensland. Source: statements.qld.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Explore the Q3 2026 QCMR data workbook (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Clean Energy Regulator has released the Q3 2026 Quarterly Carbon Market Report data workbook. The full QCMR with analysis and insights is expected by mid-December 2026. The data workbook is published early to provide information to Australian carbon markets ahead of the full report, which will include additional data and charts when released.
Licensed from the Clean Energy Regulator, Commonwealth of Australia under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Commonwealth Skipjack Tuna Fishery – Agency application 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water received an application from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority on 15 September 2026 for environmental assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The application addresses ecological sustainability guidelines and seeks consideration of declaring the Commonwealth Skipjack Tuna Fishery as an approved wildlife trade operation, including specimens in the exempt native specimens list, and accrediting its management regime. Public consultation is open from 14 October 2026 until 18 November 2026.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 2026. consult.dcceew.gov.au. (c) Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2026. CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (National Recovery Plan for Four Grassland Earless Dragons (Tympanocryptis spp.) of Southeast Australia) Instrument 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water made a National Recovery Plan jointly with the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria for four Grassland earless dragon species listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The species are Tympanocryptis pinguicolla (Critically Endangered), T. lineata (Critically Endangered), T. mccartneyi (Critically Endangered), and T. osbornei (Endangered). All four species were listed on 1 June 2023. The plan provides research and management actions to stop decline and support recovery. Habitat has been reduced to approximately 0.5% of its former distribution. Ten submissions were received during public consultation and considered by the Minister.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 17 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Australian-made solar robots move towards commercial scale with $31.1 million in ARENA funding (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing up to $31.1 million under Round 2 of the Solar Sunshot Program to establish solar robotics manufacturing facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane. Luminous Robotics will receive up to $17.8 million to manufacture autonomous solar panel installation robots (LUMIs) in Melbourne, targeting around 100 robots by 2029. Built Robotics Australia will receive up to $13.3 million to establish a Brisbane hub for autonomous piling systems, manufacturing and deploying 12 robotic piling systems. The projects aim to improve productivity, reduce construction costs and ease workforce constraints in large-scale solar farm construction.
Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency (arena.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU
Draft NSW coastal management manual (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking feedback on a draft NSW coastal management manual. The current manual was published in 2018. The draft responds to recommendations from the NSW Audit Office's Coastal management performance audit (2025) and feedback from councils and practitioners. Proposed changes aim to make the manual easier to use, provide clearer requirements and practical guidance, and improve processes for preparing and certifying coastal management programs. The draft does not amend the Coastal Management Act 2016 or fundamentally change the statutory process. Feedback closes 30 October 2026.
(c) State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au
New products now available for Product Guarantee of Origin (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryLegislation has been enacted to expand the Product Guarantee of Origin scheme. Producers, exporters and consumers can now apply for hydrogen produced via solid gasification, pyrolysis or gas reforming, iron ore, aluminium, biogas from anaerobic digestion, and biomethane from biogas upgrading. The scheme previously covered hydrogen from electrolysis. Additional products including low-carbon liquid fuels, green metals and ammonia are intended to be added as the scheme develops.
Licensed from the Clean Energy Regulator, Commonwealth of Australia under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Fourth project registered under the Nature Repair Market (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Silva Capital Cooplacurripa Biodiversity Project No. 2 has been registered under the Nature Repair Market scheme. Located at Cooplacurripa Station in north-east New South Wales, the project aims to restore 1,230 hectares using staggered plantings to restore native ecosystems including rainforest, eucalyptus woodland and grassy forests. This is the second Nature Repair Market project at the station. The project proponent intends to combine biodiversity outcomes with carbon abatement activities under the ACCU Scheme.
Licensed from the Clean Energy Regulator, Commonwealth of Australia under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Japanese giant opens doors at new Queensland hydrogen facility (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryJapanese energy company ENEOS officially opened its new $200 million green hydrogen demonstration facility at Bulwer Island in Brisbane. The facility is expected to support more than 100 specialist jobs in Queensland across the project's life. The investment resulted from the Crisafulli Government's trade mission to Japan in 2024 and was backed by the Japanese Government. The facility will test production and transportation of green hydrogen for international markets using a liquid carrier, with a portion of production intended for Japan.
(c) State of Queensland. Source: statements.qld.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
List of Exempt Native Specimens Amendment (Australia's High Seas Permits) Instrument, October 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 11 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
List of Exempt Native Specimens Amendment (Commonwealth Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery) Instrument, October 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 11 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Western Australian Octopus Fisheries – Agency application 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water received an application from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on 30 September 2026 regarding the Western Australian Octopus Fisheries. The application addresses guidelines for ecologically sustainable management of fisheries and will assess the fishery under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Consideration will be given to declaring the fishery as managed consistently with Western Australian legislation, including specimens in the exempt native specimens list, and accrediting the management regime. Public consultation closes 10 November 2026.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 2026. consult.dcceew.gov.au. (c) Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2026. CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Tree vandals on notice: clear illegally and you'll pay double (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au
DIR 230 Fermentation of straw-derived sugars using genetically modified bacterium for hydrogen production (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Gene Technology Regulator received a licence application (DIR 230) from Hydgene Renewables Pty Ltd for a fermentation trial using genetically modified E. coli for hydrogen production. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has prepared a consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP). Public comments are being sought until 7 December 2026. Deidentified submission summaries will be included in the finalised RARMP.
Raising reporting thresholds for proprietary companies (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Albanese Government released draft regulations to increase reporting thresholds for proprietary companies, effective for financial years commencing on or after 1 July 2027. Consolidated revenue threshold rises from $50 million to $100 million, and consolidated gross assets threshold from $25 million to $50 million. Companies below these thresholds will not prepare yearly financial, directors' and sustainability reports. The reform is expected to save business over $210 million in compliance costs annually. Consultation closes 2 November 2026.
(c) Commonwealth of Australia. Source: ministers.treasury.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Hazelwood Battery Expansion Boosts Gippsland Energy Jobs (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) Copyright State Government of Victoria
Marinus Link To Power More Jobs In The Latrobe Valley (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) Copyright State Government of Victoria
AER publishes draft decision to grant ring-fencing exemptions for AGN's hydrogen trial projects (opens the official source in a new tab)
Source: AER (c) Commonwealth of Australia. CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Amendments to compensation methodology to accommodate single DUID hybrid systems (opens the official source in a new tab)
Source: Australian Energy Market Operator (aemo.com.au)
AEMO publishes draft 2027 GPSRR Approach Paper for consultation (opens the official source in a new tab)
Source: Australian Energy Market Operator (aemo.com.au)
Torres Strait Fisheries Amendment (Finfish) Management Instrument 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 16 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Torres Strait Fisheries (Prawn) Management Instrument 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 16 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Landmark legislation introduced to create Great Koala National Park for conservation, culture and recreation (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au
Draft threat abatement plan for infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryDCCEEW is seeking feedback on a draft threat abatement plan addressing chytrid fungus impacts on Australia's native frogs. The plan establishes a national framework to guide government and stakeholder responses to this threat, identifying research, management and other actions to support long-term survival of native species and ecological communities. Consultation closes 18 January 2027.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 2026. consult.dcceew.gov.au. (c) Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2026. CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Torres Strait Fisheries (Quotas for Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar)) (Total Allowable Catch) Determination 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry determined the total allowable catch (TAC) of tropical rock lobster in the Torres Strait fishery under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 and the Management Plan 2018. The TAC is set at 200,000 kilograms (unprocessed weight) for three fishing seasons: 1 December 2026 to 30 September 2027; 1 December 2027 to 30 September 2028; and 1 December 2028 to 30 September 2029. The determination was made following consultation with advisory committees and is consistent with Torres Strait Treaty arrangements with Papua New Guinea.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 12 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Changes to disaster recovery funding arrangement reforms to support Australian communities (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Albanese Government will modify the proposed Disaster Recovery Funding Framework following consultation. The Commonwealth will retain current cost-sharing arrangements providing up to 75 per cent of disaster recovery funding when criteria are met. Changes include retaining council ability to claim costs under Counter Disaster Operations and revising funding activation thresholds. The framework responds to recommendations from the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding led by Andrew Colvin AO APM.
(c) Commonwealth of Australia. Source: ministers.treasury.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Draft Surf Coast planning scheme amendment C153surf (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Victorian Minister for Planning is consulting on draft amendment C153surf to the Surf Coast Planning Scheme. The amendment proposes rezoning land at Messmate Road and Surf Coast Highway, Torquay from Farming Zone Schedule 2 to General Residential Zone Schedule 1, with multiple overlays applied. Associated planning permit applications seek approval for multi-lot subdivision, easements, native vegetation removal and canopy tree removal. Consultation closes 13 November 2026.
Namoi long-term water plan review (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking feedback on the draft second edition of the Namoi long-term water plan from 9 October 2026 to 30 October 2026. Long-term water plans guide environmental water management across 9 NSW Murray-Darling Basin catchments, setting objectives, targets and water requirements for rivers, wetlands, floodplains and dependent ecosystems. The review includes stronger engagement with Aboriginal communities and their knowledge. Submissions will inform the final plan and guide environmental water management in the Namoi catchment over the next 20 years.
(c) State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au