The Productivity Commission has released its draft report on resources sector regulation and, if implemented, its recommendations have important implications for the sector. In particular, the report includes a number of recommendations focused on reducing delays in project assessment and approval, ...

The proposed regulatory framework for offshore wind and other clean energy technologies and associated infrastructure in Commonwealth waters looks to be modelled on the regulation of offshore petroleum, with some key differences. ...

New legislation will, if passed, introduce a suite of reforms aimed at mitigating the risks of Queensland resources projects not being rehabilitated, which also have major implications for the sales of such projects. The changes' wide-ranging impact includes tighter criteria for tenement applicants and transferees, and introducing an ability for tenement conditions to be adjusted following a change of control of tenement holders. In particular, potential tenement applicants and purchasers should consider initial due diligence on people and entities that may be considered their associates, so they are prepared to defend any decision in relation to potential disqualification. ...

If passed, the Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (Qld) (Bill), introduced in the Queensland Parliament on 4 February 2020, will create industrial manslaughter offences in the Queensland resources industry. ...