Environment Essentials

The Australian Building Codes Board is seeking stakeholder feedback on the National Voluntary Certification Scheme for Manufacturers of Prefabricated Construction. Proposed changes include an update to the definition for ‘prefabricated construction’ within the National Construction Code (NCC), a proposed Scheme framework, and draft Scheme Rules and Economic Analysis Report to support the Scheme. Comments close 15 September 2026.

Have your say - https://www.abcb.gov.au/news/2026/consultation-open-national-voluntary-certification-scheme-manufacturers-prefabricated-construction

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is undertaking consultation as part of its review of the Water Act 2007. Feedback is sought on the issues related to the management of water resources in the Murray-Darling Basin. Comments close 31 August 2026. Read more here -

Water Act 2007 (Cth) Review – Public Consultation Stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback for the Review of the Water Act 2007.

On 1 December 2026, the Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants (WES List) will become the Workplace Exposure Limits for Airborne Contaminants (WEL List), and with the transition includes changes to exposure limits and the addition and deletion of airborne contaminants to the list.

Read in detail about the transition and changes in this article written by Health & Safety Legal Researcher and Writer, Philippa Hillier.

https://www.enviroessentials.com.au/articles/2026/07/workplace-exposure-standards-for-airborne-contaminants-changes/

The Australian Government has commenced the development of a new Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme livestock method to help farmers reduce methane emissions.

To find out more, read here - https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/wilson/media-releases/joint-media-release-beefing-carbon-credits-aussie-livestock-farmers-0

In this comprehensive piece, HSE Legal Researcher and Consultant Matthew Thompson highlights where your jurisdiction stands on the three big consumer-facing fronts - reaching net zero, phasing out single-use plastics, and running a container deposit scheme, and how you can contribute to its efforts.

https://www.enviroessentials.com.au/articles/2026/07/your-jurisdictions-climate-and-waste-commitments/

The VIC Government has introduced the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Bill 2026 to Parliament to amend provisions in relation to the registration of cooling tower systems and clarify requirements for the disposal of radiation sources, among others.

To find out about all the amendments, read herehttps://content.legislation.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/bills/601263exi1.pdf

Australia has introduced an internationally aligned scheme to expand efforts in hydrogen production and exportation, and to aid transparentness in its environmental impact as consumers look to reduce carbon emissions.

HSE Legal Researcher & Consultant, Sallie O'Rourke provides great insight into the Guarantee of Origin scheme, how it works and who is eligible to register, in this latest article.

https://www.enviroessentials.com.au/articles/2026/06/australias-guarantee-of-origin-scheme/

The Dept of Home Affairs has announced an action plan to improve cyber security in Australia's critical infrastructure. The plan includes actions such as reforming the SOCI Act 2018 to improve risk management program requirements and preparing systems for post-quantum cryptography.

Read more about the action plan here - https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/TonyBurke/Pages/securing-our-future-horizon-2-of-the-australian-cyber-security-strategy.aspx

Our team not only loves helping companies manage their safety and environmental legal compliance, we also love to fundraise forand support charities.

In the last financial year, our company donated over $142,000 to charity. It's good to give 💜💛💚

Read more about the charities here -https://www.enviroessentials.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Charities-2526-Poster.pdf

The Australian and Queensland Governments are reviewing the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan to ensure its remaining current and adequately addressing emerging issues and threats such as climate change.

Read the review here - https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/review-reef-2050-plan