In the wake of the Clive Palmer Queensland Nickel fiasco, the Queensland Government has moved to force refinery and mine owners to fund any required environmental clean ups if their businesses fail.
Environment Minister Steven Miles introduced amendments to the Environmental Protection Act that aim to ‘better protect the environment, the community, and taxpayers from the decisions and actions of businesses that fail to take the steps to meet their proper responsibilities.’
The move comes after the State Government publicly ordered Mr Palmer to ensure he had sufficient staff remaining at his Townsville refinery to ensure it meets its environmental protection obligations.
The Australian Financial Review reports that law firm Baker & McKenzie has warned its major clients that the broadened definitions included in the legislation allows the government to issue environmental protection orders to not only the company itself but those with ‘related interests’ or connected to the company.
This threatens to extend environmental liability to investors, a prospect that may transform corporate backing of refinery and mining companies.
Share: #CAPenvironment #CAP
Editors: Abbey Seckerson and Katherine Haywood