With the introduction of the Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act) in 2021, the law shifts to a prevention-based approach. Central to this approach is the general environment duty (GED).

Subordinate legislation including regulations to support the Act started on 1 July 2021. The final regulations follow extensive business and community consultation. They contain important information for duty holders on their obligations under the Act and: 

• provide a way for parts of the new environment protection legislation to work
• stop serious consequences from specific types of pollution or waste
• stop serious risk of mismanagement
• give the certainty and consistency needed by duty holders.

Read the regulations.