Adrian Sexton

Policy Insights from LETA: The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Guide for Large Emitters. Under its Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, the NSW EPA has a role in supporting the NSW Government to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. This includes public consultation on the draft Guide for Large Emitters. Why Guide for Large Emitters Matters: - It outlines the requirements project developers will need to meet in their Environmental Impact Assessments. - It requires detailed emissions information from large-emission projects. - It provides the community with information about emissions from new projects. As an organisation committed to advancing low emission technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and globally, and as a member of the EPA, LETA recently submitted feedback on the draft Guide. LETA’s Submission in a Nutshell: - We called for framework simplification: Stating that the Draft Guide complicates the existing regulatory framework and duplicates a national approach. We recommend simplifying it to ensure project developers clearly understand the requirements. - We called for clarification of requirements: Stating that clear guidelines are needed for conducting a Greenhouse Gas Assessment and creating a Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Plan. We will continue to advocate for improvements and keep you updated! Read more from our submission here: https://lnkd.in/g7DgZUm6

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ASIC’s mandatory climate reporting regime is coming in 2025, and businesses must prepare. CFOs, are you ready to align financial reporting with sustainability goals? Key steps: - Assess climate data reporting capabilities - Engage stakeholders - Implement governance frameworks for compliance This is an opportunity to enhance transparency, manage risks and build investor confidence. Need help navigating the changes? Contact us for expert guidance. 🌱 https://hubs.ly/Q02Sktjr0 #Sustainability #ASICCompliance #CFO #ClimateRisk #CarbonGroup

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Upcoming mandatory climate-related financial disclosures signal a major shift in corporate responsibility - and an even bigger opportunity to address risks and reduce scopes 1, 2 and (soon) emissions. What’s the timeline, what do you need to do, how to comply with standards - check out our quick guide.

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I have just read through the Guarantee of Origin Bill. DCCEEW has produced an overly complex disasterpiece that fixes nothing and guarantees continued systemic double counting with certificates not defined to incorporate the attributes that they will be used to represent. The Bill doesn't put a stop to location based claims for renewables being made at the same time. The Bill doesn't legally define the market based renewables as the single method for defining renewables use. It also doesn't describe what will make 100% before and after 2030 when the RET expires. I hope to provide more detailed reflection in the next week or so. https://lnkd.in/gbTXEZAk

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Queensland’s new state government has moved promptly to make changes to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) (WHS Act). Changes commenced on Friday 29 November 2024. 🔵 Cease work notices Only a few months after the previous state government amended the cease work notice power enabling health and safety representatives (HSRs) to issue written cease work notices to persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) (rather than workers) directing them to direct workers to cease work, this change has been reversed. HSRs may now only issue cease work notices to workers, if: *The worker is in a work group represented by the HSR. *The HSR has a reasonable concern that to carry out the work would expose the worker to a serious risk to the worker’s health or safety, emanating from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard. There has also been a slight change to the pre-notice consultation requirement, whereby the HSR must first consult about the matter with the PCBU for “whom the worker is carrying out work” and attempt to resolve the issue. 🔵 Notice of entry The second significant reversal of amendments passed earlier this year concerns WHS entry permit holders and notice of entry. WHS entry permit holders must now give notice of the proposed entry and suspected contravention during usual working hours at that workplace at least 24 hours, but not more than 14 days, before the entry. This advance notice requirement had been removed by the former Queensland Government earlier this year. There remains an exception to the advance notice requirement if the WHS permit holder reasonably believes that a relevant worker is exposed to a serious risk to their health and safety, emanating from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard. In this case, a WHS entry permit holder may give the notice as soon as reasonably practicable after entering the workplace. 🔵 Cancellation of new powers and functions scheduled to commence from 1 January 2025 From 1 January 2025, HSRs and WHS entry permit holders were going to be afforded new powers including to take videos, photos, measurements and tests of risks, hazards and suspected contraventions at workplaces. These changes have now been cancelled before they could even commence. 🔵

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-Elevate Your Team’s Performance with Specialised Quality Assurance Training Are you kicking off a new project? Looking to elevate your graduate program? Wanting to upskill your team in Quality Assurance, or perhaps you require a company QA induction? It’s time to connect with QA AUDIT NZ and secure your spot in our acclaimed Quality Assurance in Construction course. -Key Details of the Quality Assurance in Construction (QAC) Training Program: -Duration: One full day (9:30 AM - 2:30 PM) -Location: Delivered on-site at your project location or office -Certification: Earn a post-training certification and a listing on the NZOQ register -Why Choose QAC? -Hands-On Learning: Our course includes practical case studies and covers vital topics such as the differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control, crafting effective Project Quality Management Plans, and handling Non-Conformance Reports, ITP, Inspection and checklists. -Industry-Driven Curriculum: Tailored to meet the direct needs of the construction sector, ensuring your team not only learns but also effectively applies their new skills. -Proven Track Record: More than 250 construction professionals have enhanced their careers with our training, leading to marked improvements in project delivery and adherence to quality standards. -Book Your Training Today! Training slots are in high demand, and we encourage early bookings to ensure your team benefits from this indispensable program. For more detailed information or to secure your spot, please feel free to contact me directly. We are committed to bolstering your projects with the highest standards of quality assurance education. Let’s build excellence together. New Zealand Organisation for Quality https://lnkd.in/gyVN-a_S

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It was my pleasure to attend and speak today at the 2024 New South Wales Mining Health, Safety, Environment & Community Conference. It gave me the opportunity to not only update the audience on the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)'s progress implementing our Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, but time to engage with some of the leaders and businesses directly impacted by the net-zero transition in the mining sector. Importantly, the conference allowed me to listen to and learn from NSW Mining members, experts and leaders within the government and mining sector. It is the lived experiences of stakeholders on the ground that is key to creating meaningful policy and regulation. Today’s conference builds on the stakeholder engagement we have been doing in the climate change and mining space. This includes surveying over 2,000 license holders to gather crucial information about their main emissions source, what climate action they are already taking and the evolving resilience challenges they face. The establishment of the EPA climate change mining advisory group, and our public consultation on the draft Climate Change Assessment Requirements and Guide for large emitters, the proposer accounting for offsets and transitional measures were all valuable topics of discussion. Achieving net-zero will bring both opportunities and challenges for mining in NSW. Working consistently on these issues with open minds and real dialogue is the best way to achieve the long term changes that will protect the prosperity and wellbeing of future generations. In fact the only way we can effectively protect tomorrow is if we do it together. #hsec2024 NSW Minerals Council

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Thank you to those who attended our recent webinar on Regulatory Responses to Pollution in NSW presented by Jessica Baldwin, Adam Kennedy-Hunt and Taylor Finnegan.   In this webinar the panel unpacked changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 that commenced on 3 April pursuant to the Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Act 2024 including: • The doubling of maximum penalties for a range of offences, including up to a maximum of $10 million for corporations for tier 1 offences; • Increased fines that can be issued by Councils and the EPA, including higher fines for subsequent offences; • Significant maximum penalties for failure to comply with a resource recovery order, up to a maximum of $4 million for corporations;  • Expanded EPA investigative and regulatory powers, including new Public Warning Statements, Preliminary Investigation Notices and Recall Notices; The panel also discussed powers of entry, requests for information and records, as well as clean up notices, prevention notices, prohibition notices, and executive liability offences. If you have any questions on the above topics or would like a copy of the webinar, please reach out to our NSW Environment and Planning team on 02 9391 3000. www.hunthunt.com.au #environmentallaw #increasedpenalities #pollution #cleanupnotice #nsw

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While removing duplication between the consideration of social surrounds under the EP Act and other legislation makes sense, completely removing social surrounds from environmental assessments risks undermining stakeholder relationships and social licence for projects ranging from mining to large-scale renewables and, potentially, nuclear.   Read Daniel Smith GCB.D’s latest column here. https://lnkd.in/gsu28US4

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Congratulations Northern Star Resources Limited for the release of the ESR Disclosure Suite. Bureau Veritas Australia & New Zealand is very proud to have provided external assurance against the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards for this comprehensive sustainability reporting. Northern Star's commitment to transparent and credible Sustainability disclosure sets a strong example in the mining industry. External assurance enhances stakeholder trust and supports continuous improvement in sustainability reporting processes. Reach out to our team to learn how Bureau Veritas Group can support your sustainability reporting and assurance needs. #ESG #Sustainability #ExternalAssurance #MiningIndustry #CredibleReporting

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The 2024 State of Sustainability report highlights that the cost of living is the top concern for Victorians. However, adopting more sustainable habits can help ease this pressure while also reducing our environmental impact. As the holiday season approaches, simple actions like shopping locally, sharing items, and opting for homemade gifts can lower costs, create more mental space to enjoy the holidays, and promote a more sustainable, climate-conscious celebration.

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"Look mum, i'm on the news!" 🤣 It's been so awesome working with my team, in partnership with Water Corporation, on our increasingly popular waterwise community programs the last few years. Mega shout out to Fiona Blackham in particular (plant giveaway superstar 🌟 - nearly 22,000 WA-natives given out last year, most grown by our awesome in-house-nursery staff)! Residents who participate in our waterwise programs report to us not just beautiful results but also broad benefits, beyond big water savings. From improved wellbeing and social connection to reduced maintenance requirements/costs and more beautiful and cooler streets. Thats not to mention the improvements to biodiversity, habitat, and quality of water runoff. The positive impact is unquestionable and its feels so good to see it. More than anything, this movement is the most sensible gardening adaptation to our drying and warming climate. The growing decentralised network of native gardens across the city is a trojan horse with collective force, helping create a greener, cooler and more waterwise city. #kepkatitjin #begroundwaterwise #waterwise #WaterwiseGreeningScheme

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https://lnkd.in/gQzexVeV PLAN FOR 2025: Hear key Regulators, leading environmental lawyers and experts present the CHANGES EXPECTED IN 2025 on key environmental, climate change, carbon management/emissions reduction and energy laws, requirements and new developments to assist you and your organisation to remain compliant. Program and Register - https://lnkd.in/gQzexVeV Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) www.aebn.com.au #ESG #NetZero #climateaction #epa #environment #emissions #emissionsreduction #climatechange #carbon #carbonmanagement #ghg #greenhousegas #mitigation #environmental #environmentalmanagement #practitioners #energy #renewable #renewableenergy #renewables

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The 2024 WA Governance and Risk Management Forum on 7 May is a must for all professionals seeking to better navigate uncertainty and continuous change – and ensure their organisations seize the opportunity for innovation and transformation. The Forum’s theme is that effective transformation is predicated on effective governance and risk management. I will be speaking about People and Change – a Risk View: •        The people factor in change management •        How existing culture influences the attitudes to change •        Identifying the risk to roles, resources, capability and skilling •        Communicating change to manage and mitigate risks Check out our updated program here. https://lnkd.in/gZXyFRVR #change #transformation #innovation #riskmanagement #governance Governance Institute of Australia Belinda Ramshaw GIA(Affiliated), Cert (EDC) LG Professionals WA Dr Lynda Folan

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Procurement - A WHS Compliant Service › Embed WHS as a core RFQ / RFT requirement. › Maintain your workplace WHS culture. › Assess and manage risk. How our expertise differs: https://lnkd.in/d39A3Mnr

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VIVA GAS TERMINAL PROJECT - HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY! Today is the last day to provide feedback for VIVA's proposed gas terminal project in Geelong. Your input is crucial as the next stage involves submission to the Minister's office. Share your thoughts via the link below. Key points from the discussion: - Australia might deplete its Bass Strait gas reserves by 2028/2029, emphasising the need to reduce gas reliance. - VIVA plans to install a floating gas terminal near the current wharf, creating local job opportunities and economic growth. - Gas will be sourced from the Middle East, USA, and NW WA to ensure energy supply to Victoria and the Eastern Seaboard. - Extensive studies on marine ecology, noise, local habitat including bird sancturaries, and cultural heritage impact have been conducted. Act now today is the day to have your say on this vital project shaping Australia's energy future! #AustraliaEnergyFuture #Gas #Essentialenergysupply #TransitioningtoaGreenEnergyfuture

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"Three things developers should know before embarking on the renewable energy journey" is a practical guide tailored for renewable energy professionals in Australia, including development managers, engineers, and land acquisition specialists. This resource highlights the critical challenges developers face—such as accessing land, obtaining approvals, and connecting to the grid—and offers insights into mitigating risks in a complex and evolving landscape. In this eBook, Tristan Cockman addresses these gaps, including policy and operational hurdles. This guide will equips readers to make informed decisions and to navigate the energy transition with greater confidence and strategic foresight. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8Qp3KTa #renewableenergy #energytransition #construction

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We have released our final decision on the Gas Distribution Code of Practice. The new code will take effect on 1 October 2024, providing a fair and clear framework for gas network customers as Victoria transitions to net-zero emissions. The new code will: 🔹 Enable us to use our enforcement powers to effectively monitor and enforce the rules on gas distributors, including through civil penalty provisions. 🔹 Require gas distributors to provide clear information to customers on their websites, including how customers can disconnect or abolish their gas connections.  🔹 Remove duplication with other regulations to streamline the regulatory framework. Importantly, the new code also removes inefficient incentives for new gas connections. From 1 January 2025, customers who may seek to establish a new gas connection will pay up-front installation costs for new gas connections, consistent with the current practice for new electricity and water connections. Following more than 12 months of engagement, the new code has been developed with extensive input from gas distributors, retailers, customers, peak industry bodies, consumer protection groups and climate action groups. 🔹 Find out more about our review of the Gas Distribution Code of Practice: https://lnkd.in/gvztiMqa 🔹 Read our media release: https://lnkd.in/gswJFEgB Sarah Sheppard Kate Symons Sitesh Bhojani Rebecca Billings Marcus Crudden Nathan Zhivov Aaron Yuen Luís Bogliolo, PhD Julia Meadows

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Is this just a little myopic? With impact assessment modelling and change impact in mind, is this truly a climate strange strategy? Discuss. https://lnkd.in/gtUWw_b2

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