The Productivity Commission has released its draft report and is seeking responses and will be holding public hearings.  The draft report recommends, amongst other things, reform to regulatory processes to ensure stronger and simpler coordination, transparency and accountability of exploration licence approval processes.  To view the Recommendations and Key Points, open this post (by double-clicking on the text or click 'read more' below) and then follow these links (external site):  Recommendations and Key Read more [...]

SA EPA is opening up a training opportunity for AELERT member agencies (NB: This is not an AQTF accredited course).  The course will run on 23 and 24 July in Adelaide and will be presented by Mr Ken Raine and Dr Jimmy Seow from DEC WA (bios below). Objective To provide the necessary skills and knowledge to enable environmental agency officers to safely respond to pollution/HAZMAT incidents and emergencies Target audience Environmental agencies employees who respond to pollution/chemical/Hazmat Read more [...]

Exotic snakes and lizards have been seized during Operation Eclipse—a joint Federal and state investigation into the alleged importation of illegal wildlife into Australia.  Read more here (external link).