Environment Essentials

15/10/2026

The NZ Government has assented the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2026, which amends the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system to a risk-based system focussed on building types and locations that pose the greatest risk to life in the event of an earthquake. Low seismic zones have been removed as part of a transitional period, and the risk-based EPB system change will commence 1 July 2027.

To read more about this new system, click here - https://www.building.govt.nz/about-building-performance/all-news-and-updates/changes-for-earthquake-prone-buildings

11/10/2026

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on a proposed mandatory product stewardship scheme that would require solar panel brand owners to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of products, and to ensure that valuable solar panel materials are recovered, reused and recycled rather than sent to landfill.

Comments close 16 November 2026.

If this is of interest, read more here -

We are seeking your feedback on the draft Product Lifecycle Responsibility Amendment (Photovoltaic Panels) Regulation 2026 and Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS).

07/10/2026

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is seeking feedback on a draft new version of the Australian Radioactive Waste Management Framework. The Framework has been updated to reflect changes in Australia's radioactive waste management since the publication of the previous edition in 2018. Comments close 13 November 2026. ☢️☢️

Have your say here - https://www.industry.gov.au/news/have-your-say-australias-radioactive-waste-management-framework

02/10/2026

Our clients have no excuses when it comes to preparing for potential operational impacts or plugging compliance gaps because they get free access to our compliance news and information service, HSE Bulletin.

Covering upcoming legislation and publication changes, proposed Bill amendments, regulator campaigns, enforceable actions and much more across Australia and New Zealand, the HSE Bulletin gives you the latest HSE communication and new at your fingertips.

See for yourself today - https://www.enviroessentials.com.au/services/hse-bulletin/

28/09/2026

The Victorian Government has assented the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Bill 2026 and the Dangerous Goods Transport Bill 2026. The new Acts amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and replace the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 respectively, and will regulate the safe storage of dangerous goods at workplaces and during transport. The legislation is planned to commence in April 2028.

Read more about it here - https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/dangerous-goods-reform

24/09/2026

The recent release by the SA's Government of the Explosives Regulations 2026, and soon-to-follow Explosives Act 2024, will modernise and streamline the state's explosive legislation and make SA consistent with other jurisdictions. Specifically, the new Act includes the establishment of a new licensing framework that is in line with national legislations and ensures any person carrying out an activity involving an explosive is licenced and has been security cleared.

To read all about the state's new explosive legislation, click here - https://safework.sa.gov.au/news-and-alerts/news/news/2024/new-laws-to-bring-explosives-legislation-into-the-21st-century

20/09/2026

On Thursday some of our team members took part in Lifeline's 9km Out of the Shadows walk for the 9 Australians who die by su***de each day. Some of us walked the Doncaster area whilst a couple enjoyed the splendour of nature in Portland. We also raised $327 for the cause.

If you or someone you know is needing support, reach out to Lifeline - https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help.

No one should have to face their darkest moments alone. 💜

16/09/2026

In addition to the Heavy Vehicle National Law Reform, other non-legislative reforms have been progressing in the heavy vehicle industry including a range of Performance Based Standards scheme actions and extending driver health screening tests to include sleep apnea, cardio-vascular and diabetes in the next Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines edition.

You can read all about it here - https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/heavy-vehicle-national-law-reform-implementation-steering-committee-statement-heavy-vehicle-reform

11/09/2026

The Australian Government has released a discussion paper on the proposal for creating Commonwealth standards for the construction industry. Public feedback is sought on a range of discussion questions, such as how to improve dispute resolution pathways and how any standards could work with existing WHS and workplace relations frameworks.

If you have something to contribute, you can do so here - https://consultations.dewr.gov.au/potential-commonwealth-standards-for-the-construction-industry

Comments close 16 October 2026.

08/09/2026

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