Victoria's 2017-18 budget boosts spending on the state's EPA and sets a new inspections target, while the Northern Territory's budget provides for a new Indigenous carbon unit.
A Glencore zinc and lead mine plagued by smouldering rock dumps releasing plumes of sulphur dioxide and contaminated water seepages has revealed new management plans.
The Northern Territory needs a comprehensive environment law and a major overhaul of assessment and approval procedures, according to new advice from the NT EPA.
Business faces potentially significant regulatory risks on carbon at state level, with many environmental agencies equipped to impose more stringent requirements.