Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

An introduction to environmental law in Australia with special emphasis on its application to business and development projects. Covering

1. sources of environmental law including property rights, common law liability, government responsibilities, international obligations;
2. specific regulatory schemes for management of land, water, air pollution, industrial waste, product standards and taxation concessions;
3. non-coercive strategies and other recent developments, green taxes, emission trading and voluntary agreements.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and apply the various sources of environmental and planning law in Australia and to explain the role of various government agencies
• analyse the impact of selected environmental laws upon various types of business enterprises and development projects
• recommend and explain appropriate strategies to enable businesses and developers to minimise penalties for violation of environmental laws
• analyse emerging trends in environmental law.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours, open-book): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Michael McNamara

Contact hours

3 hours per week. A full day field trip is generally held early in the semester.