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A high-level meeting between senior state environmental bureaucrats and representatives of Australia's largest companies has discussed a range of issues that could be regulated more consistently across the nation.

In choosing not to have a minister with a title that includes the phrase 'climate change', Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott has plenty of precedent.

Environment and water ministers today approved changes to the contaminated sites NEPM, released a draft RIS on managing chemical environmental risks and proposed a national approach to biobanking.

Federal, state and territory ministers have recommended against establishing a permanent COAG body to deal specifically with climate change.

A regular CE Daily update on what to look out for over the next few weeks nationally and in states and territories – including legislative changes, policy proposals and funding offers.

The first in a regular new CE Daily series that details what to look out for over the next few weeks, including regulatory changes, new grant schemes and federal and state policy proposals open for comment.

ACT Assembly passes law to ban plastic bags

* Silex to raise $89 million to fund pilot solar PV power plants

* Sydney councils propose new recycling and composting facilities

* Consultant sought for Western Australia renewables study

* Energetics, EPA Victoria win CitySwitch awards

* New website rates emissions performance of container ships, tankers

* Tasmania seeks comment on state taxes and sustainability

• Burke approves SA uranium mine expansion
  
• EPA cautions landowners after company fails to remove dumped waste from leased site
  
• ACT reviews Nature Conservation Act; seeks climate council members
  
• ACCC issues interim approval for fluorocarbons scheme
  
• Tasmania issues stormwater strategy

An OECD review of Australia's environmental performance says serious breaches are 'inadequately prosecuted' in some jurisdictions and recommends that enforcement be strengthened, especially against big polluters.



The OECD also says voluntary measures often don't have 'meaningful' monitoring and compliance mechanisms and recommends greater use of economic instruments.