The second stage of the EPBC Act reforms commenced on 1 July 2026. The focus of this stage is on establishing the new environmental governance framework.

The new legislative framework for PLAA2024, including principal PLAA2024 supporting regulations which determine how carbon capture and storage projects will be assessed and managed, comes into effect.

The WA Government has announced a phased implementation program for the recommendations of the Kelly Review. The purpose of the review was to examine how outcomes could be improved for both Traditional Owners and the mining and exploration industry in connection with native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes.

Concerns raised by the WA Government’s legislative changes to the approval of major projects and the application of development proposal assessment and approvals law.

The WA Government’s legislative fix to clarify that land held under miscellaneous licences cannot be subject to local government rates.

This important decision in the Warden’s Court confirms the power of the Warden to restrain dealings in tenements by granting injunctive relief and expands the practical remedies available in tenement validity disputes.

The Federal Court has handed down its much-anticipated decision in the greenwashing case brought by the ACCR against Santos, dismissing all claims against Santos. This is the first case globally to allege that a company’s net zero target is misleading, rather than just inadequate.

Judicial review by WA Supreme Court of the decision making process of the Warden in considering applications for extension of time under the Mining Act 1978 (WA).

Mining company fined for carrying out mining activities without holding the tenure issued under the Mining Act 1978 (WA) allowing it to use the area for those activities.

Disclosure by mining companies in areas considered to have a higher potential to cause adverse market effects, is identified as a focus area in FY27 by ASX Supervision in its first Listed Entity Supervision Report.

The new national Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme, which requires LNG exporters to supply domestically an amount equivalent to 20% of their LNG export volumes, represents a significant reform for the east coast of Australia.

The Waddi Wind Farm in Western Australia reaches FID, targeting commercial production in 2028.

The 2026 RIU Explorers Conference highlights a highly optimistic exploration environment driven by record gold prices and strong copper markets with increasing strategic focus on critical minerals.

The Federal Government commits A$1.1bn to the future Australian production of low carbon liquid fuels required for aviation, shipping and other sectors to reach net zero.