Queensland has clarified how it will apply a new law that prevents polluters evading clean-up responsibilities, and Engie's Hazelwood strategy could yet see Victoria adopt similar legislation.
Five former executives at Linc Energy are now facing offences that carry penalties of up to five years in jail, including a former president of the Queensland Resources Council.
The Queensland government has clarified when it will hold banks, shareholders, landowners and senior managers accountable for environmental harm caused by a company in financial difficulties.
The Queensland Government says Linc Energy's move into voluntary administration, while facing serious environmental charges, underlines the need for a law that allows liability to be shifted to related companies and executives if a company is in financial difficulty.
Investors will ask project proponents and operators for more comprehensive environmental risk information in response to Queensland's new 'chain of custody' bill, according to Baker & McKenzie special counsel Lauren Kirkwood.