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ESG: Enabling Sustainable Growth

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Mallesons' ESG insights

From risk management and mitigation, to decarbonisation and adaptation, our clients are working hard on the transition to a net zero economy. We are with them on the journey. 

Our experts from around the world share their knowledge and insights to help you to navigate a constantly evolving landscape. We make the complex simple.

Hear from our international team of experts
Carbon Markets Regulatory Tracker

Keep up with key dates: whether it’s a reporting deadline, a chance to submit to a policy review or a milestone change. 

Our Esg Insights

Net zero developments – Opportunities and risks for the agriculture and land sector

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has posed questions around current regulatory and policy settings in Australia, including in respect of net zero targets.

28 April 2026

Middle East conflict: Why it raises climate reporting and energy transition issues – and how to respond

Emissions are rising due to military activity, damage to energy infrastructure, disrupted shipping routes and fuel volatility. Over the next 6 to 24 months, these dynamics are likely to translate into higher carbon exposure - particularly in Scope 3 – along with greater scrutiny of emissions disclosures and sharper tests of whether transition plans remain credible under stress.

10 April 2026

Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide

In our APAC Climate Guide, experts across the region share their insights as they help clients to navigate the transition. We look at the incentives encouraging clean energy, how carbon markets are expanding, the growth of sustainable finance and the role of the private sector. We also look at focus areas in each jurisdiction, from wind power in Japan to electric vehicles in China.

20 January 2026

Federal Environmental legislative reforms before the Senate and National Environmental Standards out for consultation

On 30 October 2025 the Government introduced into Parliament its long-awaited reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).

13 November 2025

A not-so ‘just transition’ - corruption and modern slavery in clean energy

Australia’s role in the global energy transition is critical. But as demand surges for minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earths, so do the risks of corruption and modern slavery.

07 November 2025

At long last: changes to Queensland’s Financial Provisioning Scheme finally take effect

In this alert, we unpack the new changes to the Scheme and what they mean for industry.

01 October 2025

From ambition to action: understanding Australia’s 2050 net zero plan

The Australian Government has released its Net Zero Plan, pledging to cut emissions by 62–70% on 2005 levels by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050. Six sector-specific plans and five decarbonisation priorities help map the pathway towards achieving the 2035 target and net zero by 2050. An $8 billion funding package alongside previously committed $63 billion will drive implementation, with further legislative streamlining expected.

22 September 2025

On the horizon: Harmonisation of GHG Protocol and ISO Climate Standards

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) have announced a landmark strategic partnership to harmonise their existing greenhouse gas (GHG) standards and co-develop a new, co-branded international standard for GHG emissions accounting and reporting.

18 September 2025

Changes to greenhouse gas assessment for major projects in NSW - Mount Pleasant decision

The New South Wales Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc v MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd [2025] NSWCA 163 has materially shifted the approach that must be taken in the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions for major projects in New South Wales.

04 August 2025

Climate obligations in Australia and abroad are oceans apart – what does it mean?

Comparing the Federal Court’s decision in Pabai with the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on the ‘Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change’.

30 July 2025

Water Regulation Series (part 1): New civil penalties for water offences in NSW

Water regulation in Australia is intensifying in response to the increasing value and scarcity of water resources.

08 July 2025

Day 1 readiness for mandatory climate reporting

As we close out this financial year, Group 1 entities commencing their financial year on 1 July 2025 are gearing up for their first reporting year

30 June 2025

Redefining energy in Japan: Game-changing corporate PPAs shape the future

For Japan's energy transition, these agreements are game-changers. In a post-Fukushima context where the country has struggled to balance energy security with decarbonisation goals, corporate PPAs provide a market-based mechanism to finance new renewable capacity outside traditional subsidy schemes. The data centre sector's entrance into this space is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses the dual challenges of powering Japan's digital economy while meeting increasingly stringent corporate environmental commitments.

03 June 2025

From brown to green - retrofitting Australia’s real estate

With the built environment accounting for nearly a fifth of Australia’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, achieving the country’s 2030 emissions reduction target of 43% below 2005 levels will be impossible without significant action within the real estate sector.

27 May 2025

New majority government, same modern slavery commitments – what to watch in 2025

Labor’s recent federal election victory and new majority government clears a path for reforms to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act).

23 May 2025

Vietnam Sets the Stage for Carbon Trading

Vietnam has released an approved roadmap for a domestic carbon market, in a significant step towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. A phased approach will see a pilot start in June 2025, working towards full implementation by 2029.

05 May 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Healthcare

It is estimated that the health system is responsible (either directly or indirectly) for 5% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, with clinical care contributing to over half of greenhouse gas emissions produced by health systems.[2]

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Communication services & IT

However, scope 3 emissions remained difficult to accurately characterise, causing challenges in reporting and risking significant year-on-year changes to reported figures resulting from previously unreported emissions data. Entities within this sector remained vigilant to these issues and have increased their attempts to improve reporting accuracy by requiring substantial suppliers to disclose their emissions figures. This has allowed them to better identify high-risk suppliers and consider switching to more sustainable suppliers to reduce emissions.

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Industrials

While there are differences in short and medium-term targets, in the long-term, these entities generally have consistent goals of reaching net zero for scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2050 or sooner. The industrials entities also aimed to accomplish this by employing similar strategies to achieve those goals, including transitioning to renewable energy, optimising operations to reduce fuel use, and engaging stakeholders in reduction efforts. They also support policy initiatives for sectoral decarbonisation, for example, by collaborating with government, business, and industry to develop sustainable emissions reductions solutions.

29 April 2025

Climate governance and reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: The latest climate science

Globally, average temperatures passed 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024.

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Consumer Discretionary & Consumer Staples

This sector spans entities with operations encompassing supermarkets and grocery, gaming and entertainment, retail, alcohol, fertiliser and safety products.

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Real estate

Given buildings account for approximately 20% of Australia’s total energy consumption, it is unsurprising that the real estate sector has set ambitious climate goals.

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Banks & insurers

In what some have flagged as their last stand-alone climate reports, banks and insurers remained focused on setting targets and reducing operational emissions.

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Materials

The mining sector is in a unique position, being both relied upon for the shift to decarbonisation, and contributing to nearly 10% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

29 April 2025

Climate governance & reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024: Energy & utilities

Energy and utilities entities continued to broadly align in their climate reporting, emphasising similar climate-related risks and opportunities and taking similar approaches to board and executive accountability.

29 April 2025

A new era of pragmatism: Climate governance and reporting trends of the ASX50 in 2024

As of 1 January 2025, many large Australian businesses and financial institutions are now required to prepare annual sustainability reports containing mandatory climate-related financial disclosures.

29 April 2025

Global developments on mandatory climate reporting

Starting 1 January 2025, many large Australian businesses and financial institutions must now prepare annual sustainability reports containing mandatory climate-related financial disclosures, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) last week releasing its final guidance on sustainability reporting to assist entities to comply with their sustainability reporting obligations.

11 April 2025

Modern Slavery - Reforms at home & abroad

In this update, we summarise key modern slavery law developments in Australia and overseas during 2024, and what changes businesses should be prepared for in the rest of the year ahead.

10 April 2025

ESG claims in focus: ASIC chalks up another greenwashing win

Following hotly contested proceedings, on 18 March 2025 the Federal Court imposed a $10.5 million penalty against superannuation trustee LGSS Pty Ltd (LGSS), as trustee of Active Super (Active Super), for greenwashing conduct in contravention of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth) (ASIC Act).

25 March 2025

Ready, set, launch: Australia’s world-first Nature Repair Market is now operational

In December 2023, the Australian Government passed framework legislation for a world-first voluntary Nature Repair Market (NRM), designed to enhance and protect biodiversity in native species. After a further year of work preparing the finer details and operational aspects of the market, individuals and organisations can now participate in the NRM.

19 March 2025

Wind farms in Queensland: regulatory changes set to have a big ‘impact’

As of Monday 3 February 2025, all wind farms in Queensland will be subject to impact assessable development as a result of legislative changes pushed through on Friday 31 January 2025.

03 February 2025

Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - China

The world's second-largest economy could become a global leader in clean energy technologies. Already the world's largest producer of solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, China is expanding to new industries and export opportunities. With its strong manufacturing base and increasing focus on R&D, China can innovate in areas like energy storage, smart grids and carbon capture technologies.

11 December 2024

Supply chains and data challenges steal the show at ImpactX Agriculture and Land Decarb Forum

Climate change is already impacting on farmers and growers in Australia - for example due to increasing bushfires, changing seasonal patterns and extreme rainfall and flooding. As global warming intensifies, farm profits are expected to decrease by between 11% – 50% by 2050 – with increased profit reduction under higher warming scenarios.

11 December 2024

Modern slavery update: Government appoints Commonwealth Anti-Slavery Commissioner to enhance national response

The Modern Slavery Amendment (Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 (Cth) came into effect on 7 November 2024 and amends the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act) by establishing the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner (Federal Commissioner) as an independent statutory office holder.

19 November 2024

Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - Japan

In the first chapter of our Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide, we look to Japan. Our regional experts share their insights on the significant challenges and opportunities as Japan aims for a net-zero economy. Challenges include an ageing power grid, strict land use regulations and public opposition to renewable installations. Opportunities include renewable energy projects and hydrogen technology.

12 November 2024

Valuing nature: recognising the risks and reaping the rewards

The science is clear: Nature and climate change are inextricably linked. Like hands on a clock, incremental changes add up – and the clock has been ticking while the world has focused on limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

04 November 2024

NEXT: Business, Purpose, Future - Edition 8

Welcome to NEXT, a forward-looking exploration of the issues, trends and dynamics shaping commerce, leadership, and the workplace. In this issue you will find a guide to some of the emerging issues businesses are thinking deeply about, as well as a call for collaboration between businesses, government and the third sector to respond with vision, resilience, and empathy.

04 November 2024

Blue Finance – Unlocking the Power of the Blue Economy

As the world prepares for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), a relatively overlooked area is set to increase in prominence and importance: the health and sustainable use of our oceans. Safeguarding the eco-systems of our seas will demand significant investments. It’s critical for businesses to understand the associated climate risks.

31 October 2024

The world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit: reflections, takeaways and updates on Australia’s nature positive reforms

From 8 to 10 October 2024, the Australian and New South Wales governments co-hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit (Summit) in Sydney, which KWM attended.

15 October 2024

Opening the doors to international funding for Australian critical minerals

Over the past week, several positive announcements have been made for Australian listed critical minerals mining companies and critical minerals projects within Australia

03 October 2024

Update on embodied carbon emissions in the construction and real estate sectors

As Australia moves towards achieving net zero by 2050, the construction and real estate industries (and their regulators) are looking beyond emissions from the operation and maintenance of their assets but also looking at reducing carbon emissions embodied in building materials and generated by the construction of buildings.

27 September 2024

Your Guide to the 2024 draft JORC Code – do the proposed changes go too far?

The long-awaited update to the JORC Code is here, with JORC releasing the 2024 Draft JORC Code for public feedback on 1 August 2024.

20 September 2024

A (net zero) Future Made in Australia: what to expect and how the tax system plays a key role

As the world transforms to net zero emissions and undergoes the most significant changes since the industrial revolution, the Federal Government’s decarbonisation plan aims to make Australia an indispensable part of the global economy.

13 September 2024

Can the data centre goldrush go green? Malaysia’s Johor shows we can move fast, but more is needed

Johor sits at the southern tip of Malaysia, minutes away from neighbouring Singapore. Lesser known than the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and less developed than its most populous state of Selangor, Johor – and its capital Johor Bahru – are rapidly rising in prominence.

29 August 2024

Mandatory Climate Reporting Bill Passes the Senate and ASIC Releases Latest Report on Greenwashing: Are You Ready?

Last week was a big week for ESG in Australia. On 22 August 2024, the Australian Senate passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill) with some minor amendments. Schedule 4 of the Bill would implement Australia’s first mandatory climate reporting regime. The day after, ASIC released Report 791 (ASIC’s interventions on greenwashing misconduct: 2023-2024) (ASIC Report) which provides detailed findings, recommendations and good practice examples from its surveillance activities over the past 15 months. In this alert, we deep dive into the latest on mandatory climate reporting and greenwashing.

27 August 2024

Non-bank lenders and mandatory sustainability reporting

On 22 August 2024, the Australian Senate passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill) with some minor amendments.

27 August 2024

The rise of carbon trading between governments: Can businesses benefit from Intergovernmental Carbon Credits under Article 6.2?

We talk a lot about global carbon trading markets – yet relatively little about the mechanism by which countries trade emissions reductions. That mechanism - Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) – is a strategic tool for nations to not only comply with their climate commitments but also to leverage their carbon sink resources effectively.

26 August 2024

New Bill to reform the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme

The Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Bill 2024 (Bill) was introduced to the NSW Parliament last Thursday to reform the State’s biodiversity offset scheme.

22 August 2024

New Environmentally Sustainable requirements for Commonwealth procurement of construction services

The Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy (the ESP) came into effect on 1 July 2024. This brings the Commonwealth government’s approach to procurement closer to Australia’s commitment to net zero by 2050.

12 July 2024

7 Takeaways for Businesses from the ACCC’s Draft Guide on Sustainability Collaboration

In this update we identify 7 key takeaways for businesses wanting to collaborate to achieve sustainability outcomes, including a new streamlined authorisation process for particular types of collaboration.

09 July 2024

Queensland’s next wave of environmental reforms: second Bill passes to amend Environmental Protection Act 1994

After passing the first wave of environmental reforms through the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (Qld) last year.

12 June 2024

Breaking new ground: ASX50 sustainability reporting and governance in 2023

With mandatory climate reporting imminent, the contents of this publication are poised to become business-critical to more of corporate Australia than ever before.

06 June 2024

Risks of Gen AI - Energy and ESG

The vast majority of AI systems are trained and deployed on power-hungry servers housed in large data centres that use enormous amounts of electricity and water, amplifying the effects of climate change that are already being felt around the world.

23 May 2024

Carbon farming methods in 2024: proponents to start putting pen to paper

As predicted in our previous alert, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has now launched a new proponent-led approach to developing new Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme methods.

23 May 2024

European Parliament Green Lights EU’s CSDDD: Time to Get Ready for the New Era in ESG Obligations

The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will pave the way for a new era of corporate due diligence obligations.

22 May 2024

Federal Budget May 2024-25: Environment & Climate change

To combat climate change and facilitate Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy, the Government has introduced various measures to the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water portfolio in the Budget.

14 May 2024

The international bid for legal certainty on carbon credits: taking China’s example to the UN

What rights attach to a carbon credit? Who owns it? The legal nature of carbon credits sounds like a niche concept that only concerns lawyers, but it goes to fundamental aspects of trading and finance that have implications for businesses. And United Nations bodies are working to develop a comprehensive and coordinated legal framework for carbon credits.

26 April 2024

Accelerated planning permit application assessment for renewables projects in Victoria

Victoria’s Minister for Planning has gazetted changes which enable accelerated assessment of planning applications for renewable energy facilities, utility installations, and associated subdivisions, to unlock investment and help Victoria meet its legislated emissions reduction, renewable energy, and net zero targets.

23 April 2024

Australia’s road to ‘nature positive’: newly announced detours and delays

Those who have been waiting to see the Federal Government’s long-awaited ‘nature positive’ reform package will have to wait a little longer, with the Minister for Environment and Water announcing on 16 April 2024 plans to stage the introduction of the reform legislation.

18 April 2024

The rise of green and social capital – ESG-related trends for Australian private funds

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is not a new concept for private funds. Most institutional investors and fund managers have had ESG policies in place for many years.

11 April 2024

Climate-related financial disclosure

On 27 March 2024, the Treasurer introduced and read the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill) to the House of Representatives.

03 April 2024

OnBoard March 2024

OnBoard delivers our leading market insights purposefully curated for directors, general counsel and company secretaries.

27 March 2024

Carbon Markets Regulatory Tracker

As Australia transitions to a low-carbon economy, we see carbon markets play an increasing role to help achieve net zero ambitions. Staying on top of deadlines and developments is essential.

26 March 2024

NEXT - Edition 7

We hope you find this edition of NEXT to be thought provoking and we look very much forward to continuing the conversation with you across the year.

19 February 2024

Carbon Farming Methods in 2024: passing the pen from Government to proponents

has held the pen when it comes to deciding what carbon farming projects can be carried out and what boxes those projects must tick under the relevant methods to be eligible.

12 February 2024

Sleeping Carbon Giant Awakes: China’s Renewed Voluntary Carbon Market is Here – What You Need to Know

The long-awaited renewal of the China Certified Emission Reductions (CCER) market is expected to drive trading activity, develop the market and spur innovation. This is a critical step towards China reaching its ‘30.60’ decarbonisation target: peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

26 January 2024

Draft Sustainability Reporting Legislation released for consultation

On 12 January 2024, Treasury released draft legislation, Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2023: Climate-related financial disclosure, and an accompanying explanatory memorandum and policy document for the implementation of mandatory sustainability reporting in Australia.

19 January 2024

ESG Predictions: What path awaits in 2024?

We canvassed our ESG experts across the firm for their predictions of key changes and trends expected in 2024.

01 January 2024

The KWM take on COP28

Read about various trends and business implications from our global ESG experts across the four key themes of COP28.

08 December 2023

A Christmas Miracle: Last-minute horse-trading gets the Nature Repair Market over the line

In an unexpected turn of events, the Federal Government’s Nature Repair Market legislation – which had stalled in the Senate and recently been deferred until at least April 2024 – has now passed after the Government struck a last-minute deal with the Greens.

07 December 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition: Spotlight on Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea

The reality of the ground we need to cover to reach global decarbonisation targets is driving policies, investment and innovation. To do this effectively and within desired timeframes it’s critical that we embrace collaboration by working together, sharing knowledge and simply connecting people.

24 November 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 3: The Philippines

The Philippines is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. Increases in the frequency and intensity of typhoons, changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and increasing temperatures all pose a serious threat to the archipelago nation’s ecosystems and its 100 million+ population. This makes poverty-reduction efforts even harder.

24 November 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 2: Indonesia

Indonesia is at a critical juncture in shaping its energy future. The archipelago nation faces the challenge of boosting energy supply by ensuring universal electricity access for its people by 2040, while cutting carbon emissions to reach its net zero target by 2060. This is happening against a backdrop of one of the fastest-growing economies globally. Indonesia has experienced rapid economic growth since the 1970s, reducing poverty levels across its population of almost 280 million. Now, climate change threatens its diverse ecosystem. Communities are vulnerable to flooding, rising sea levels and heatwaves.

24 November 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 4: Vietnam

Vietnam is among the fastest growing markets in ASEAN. Strategically located in the centre of Southeast Asia, its GDP, foreign direct investment and middle-income population have all grown over the past decade. Vietnam’s share of annual global emissions is relatively small - approximately 0.88% in 2021 - for a population of almost 100 million, or roughly 1.2% of the world’s people. The country is severely affected by climate change. With 3,260 km long coastline, many low-lying cities and river delta regions, Vietnam ranks first in the world for exposure to flooding alongside Bangladesh. The World Bank estimates Vietnam lost around US$10 billion in 2020 due to climate impacts. Without appropriate adaption and mitigation measures, climate change could cost Vietnam around 12% to 14.5% of GDP annually by 2050 according to World Bank estimates.

24 November 2023

Navigating the net zero transition - Chapter 6: Japan

Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and among the world’s highest emitters. Home to approximately 126.5 mn people, Japan consists of several thousand islands most of which are covered by mountains and surrounded by steep shorelines. The topography limits renewable energy development and Japan’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes has impacted nuclear generation following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant accident. Triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake, this event tipped Japan’s economy into recession. A little over a decade on, Japan’s economy is showing signs of recovery – and investors are circling.

24 November 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Regional Snapshot

In our country chapters, we look at initiatives to encourage the transition to a net zero economy – across emissions reduction targets, carbon markets, financing, transport, housing and buildings, and agriculture. Here is a brief snapshot. More detail and examples are in the country chapters.

24 November 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 5: the Republic of Korea

Among the largest economies in the world by GDP and a powerful member of the G20, the Republic of Korea has developed a strong industrial activity sector in recent decades.

24 November 2023

Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 1: Singapore

The net zero transition presents significant opportunities for Singapore, with its export-oriented, innovation-hungry, open economy. Yet it also carries significant challenges. Singapore is managing water and food scarcity, and rising sea levels threaten the low-lying landmass.

23 November 2023

Funding Australia’s transition to net zero – the Australian Government’s Sustainable Finance Strategy

Treasury released its Sustainable Finance Strategy Consultation Paper (Strategy) on 2 November 2023, signalling a significant transition for the Australian sustainable finance industry from being largely market-led to a government-led approach.

16 November 2023

Australia’s road to ‘nature positive’: (why aren’t) we there yet?

It has been almost 12 months since the Federal Government unveiled its ‘Nature Positive Plan’, which set the stage for 2023 to be filled with extensive environmental reform.

15 November 2023

Queensland’s Housing Availability and Affordability Bill: New tools to help facilitate development

The Housing Availability and Affordability (Planning and Other Legislation Amendment) Bill 2023 (Bill) was recently introduced to Queensland Parliament to address current housing supply and affordability challenges.

13 November 2023

TNFD publishes final framework as TCFD disbands

On 12 October 2023, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) published its sixth and final status report.

03 November 2023

Climate Active Reforms: dumping “carbon neutral” and getting real with direct emissions reductions

On Friday 20 October, the Commonwealth Government announced its proposed updates to the Australian Government’s Climate Active certification program.

02 November 2023

High Court rules that Victoria’s electric vehicle charge is unconstitutional

On Wednesday 18 October 2023, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Vanderstock & Anor v State of Victoria [2023] HCA 30.

20 October 2023

Indonesia’s Nickel Rush – Riding the Waves of the EV Battery Revolution

Nickel is set to become one of the most important critical minerals in the net zero transition, reaching a predicted global market of almost US$60bn within 5 years. Future industry growth will be driven by the dramatic increase in demand for lithium-ion EV batteries – of which nickel is a key component. Given the exponential growth in demand, there is still a high risk that supply will fall short in the coming decade.

12 October 2023

Extensive regulatory reforms and funding for Victoria’s housing sector

The Housing Statement ambition is up to 800,000 new homes in the next decade, increasing to 2.2 million by 2051.

21 September 2023

AgriThinking | Navigating the waters: unpacking Australia’s Bill for a sustainable Murray-Darling Basin

On 6 September 2023, Australia’s Minister for Environment and Water, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, introduced the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023 (Cth) (Bill) to Parliament.

21 September 2023

What carbon offset strategy best suits your business?

The voluntary carbon markets present a range of opportunities for business to execute its decarbonisation strategy. Under Australia’s predominant carbon market, the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, more than 13 million ACCUs were transacted in the first quarter of 2023. This is over half the number transacted in 2022, and more than the total transacted in 2020 and 2021 combined.[1]

05 September 2023

Sustainability-linked derivatives - identifying the opportunity for private capital investors

The sustainable finance market is evolving at an accelerating pace. One recent trend garnering growing interest from market participants is the development of “sustainability-linked derivatives” (SLDs).

23 August 2023

How regional collaboration could lift carbon trading in Southeast Asia

Carbon markets are an instrumental tool to assist countries in achieving GHG emissions reduction commitments. Emissions trading systems in smaller countries face the problem of insufficient market participants and investors which can result in volume and liquidity levels which are insufficient to determine market pricing effectively. To address this, some countries and regions have harmonised emissions trading systems, to create larger and more liquid carbon markets. In this insight, we consider potential opportunities for cooperation and harmonisation of carbon trading across Southeast Asia and the broader region.

18 August 2023

The Carbon Market Trends Moving China to a Sustainable Future

China’s efforts to encourage businesses to cut emissions and improve carbon data transparency are critical to achieving a sustainable future. From the national emissions trading system expanding and opening to foreign investment, to carbon cutting incentives for individuals, there is a rising tide of carbon-related initiatives across China.

01 August 2023

Social impact investing – the best things in life are free

The 2023 Federal Budget allocated nearly $200 million over 6 years to address entrenched community disadvantage, including $11.6 million to promote social impact investment. It’s not huge, but a start.

17 July 2023

Mandatory climate reporting in Australia – Treasury proposes a broad reach with a limited safe harbour

Treasury has released its second consultation paper on climate-related financial disclosures. This paper builds on Treasury’s initial consultation paper released late last year. The initial consultation paper received 194 submissions, most of which are publicly available here.

05 July 2023

The third wave of sustainability disclosures: a look at the task force on Inequality-related Financial Disclosures (TIFD)

We’ve had the TCFD on climate. Then the TNFD on nature. And now there’s the TIFD on inequality. Three task forces. Three sustainability topics. Three leaps in sustainability reporting. The key difference with inequality is that it’s in the ‘social’ bucket, rather than the ‘environmental’ bucket. That means we can no longer say the trend towards international and mandatory sustainability reporting is just because of the science and urgency relating to climate change, and its sister topic, nature. The TIFD signals a broader trend towards reporting issues that have traditionally been considered non-financial but increasingly pose reputational and regulatory risks to businesses. It also reflects the shift towards broad reporting of a business’ impact on sustainability issues, rather than just the impact of those issues on the business and its performance. Many companies are already reporting on broader sustainability issues that span beyond the ‘E’ in ESG. The TIFD will provide guidance, thresholds, targets and metrics that should help standardise this reporting. If the TIFD follows the same trajectory as the TCFD and TNFD, that puts us squarely on the path to broader mandatory sustainability disclosures in Australia. As with the TCFD and the TNFD, there will be time to prepare. At this stage, the TIFD is aiming to release the beta version of its framework in 2024.

15 June 2023

Pathway to sustainable development: legal risks of climate change for the finance sector

This is a result of the important role finance flows play in the global shift toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy[1]. The stakeholders range from pension funds to banks and import-export institutions, which not only face the continuing indirect risks arising from climate action brought against clients and investees, but are also increasingly the direct targets of climate action for their roles in financing projects associated with significant carbon emissions.

01 June 2023

Australia’s Modern Slavery Act Review – Reforms on the Horizon

The eagerly anticipated report on the statutory review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act) has been released (Report).

31 May 2023

Climate-related disclosure and governance trends of the ASX50 in 2022

A new more rigorous and consequential age has begun for companies’ climate and sustainability considerations.

04 May 2023

Shake up to Queensland’s environmental laws: what’s changed and what happens next?

After an unconventional legislative consultation process, the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Qld) (EPOLA Bill) passed on 29 March 2023, cementing a raft of changes to Queensland’s environmental laws which will have widespread implications across a number of industries.

30 March 2023

Around the world in carbon trading: a glance at regulated regimes

In the latest insight from our Carbon Markets Series, we visit the regimes around the world that are driving change.

29 March 2023

Green light for the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms

The Safeguard Mechanism reforms are set to become law with some amendments, after the Federal Government struck a deal with the Greens to secure their support.

28 March 2023

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Publication | ESG: Enabling Sustainable Growth

Navigating The Net Zero Transition: Spotlight on Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea

The reality of the ground we need to cover to reach global decarbonisation targets is driving policies, investment and innovation. To do this effectively and within desired timeframes it’s critical that we embrace collaboration by working together, sharing knowledge and simply connecting people.

24 November 2023
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LSE Grantham Research Institute
3100+
Climate laws and policies globally
LSE Grantham Research Institute
2200+
Climate litigation cases
UNFCCC
8300+
Companies in the UN's Race to Zero campaign

Chambers ranking

  • Banking & Finance, Band 1 – Chambers 2023
  • Corporate/ M&A, Band 1 – Chambers 2023
  • Energy  & Natural Resources, Band 1 – Chambers 2023
  • Native Title: Proponents, Band 1 – Chambers 2023

How We Help Our Clients

Mandatory Sustainability Reporting in Practice

Mandatory sustainability reporting has now come into force.

23 April 2026

KWM advises on financing of Western Australian battery project

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is proud to have advised a syndicate of 10 financiers on the financing of the Atmos Renewables Merredin Battery. The deal reached financial close on 25 June 2025.

04 July 2025

KWM advises lender group on A$1.97 billion refinancing of Pacific Energy

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is delighted to have acted for the lender group on the refinancing of Pacific Energy.

30 May 2025

KWM advises APA Group on its $1.7 billion acquisition of Alinta’s Pilbara Assets and associated $750m capital raising

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has advised leading Australian energy infrastructure business, APA Group (APA) on its $1.7 billion acquisition of Alinta Energy’s Pilbara business. This business, located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, is underpinned by contracted operational assets (gas and solar power generation, gas transmission, battery energy storage systems and electricity transmission), together with an extensive development pipeline of projects.

28 August 2023

KWM advising Allkem on $A15.7b merger, creating major new global lithium force

KWM is delighted to be advising Allkem Limited on its A$15.7B all-stock merger of equals with Livent Corp, to create a leading global lithium chemicals producer.

15 May 2023

KWM advises US-listed SPAC Nabors Energy Transition Corp. on ~$US586m cross-border merger with leading Australian renewable energy company Vast Solar Pty Ltd

KWM has advised Nabors Energy Transition Corp. (NETC), a US-listed special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), on its entry into a business combination with Vast Solar Pty Ltd, a world-leader in concentrated solar thermal power, delivering clean, dispatchable power and heat and green fuels.

03 March 2023

KWM advises financiers to Ratch-Australia on latest renewables portfolio financing

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is pleased to have advised financiers to Ratch-Australia on the portfolio financing of their Australian renewable assets: Mount Emerald Wind Farm in QLD, Collector Wind Farm in NSW and Collinsville Solar Farm in QLD.

13 September 2022

KWM advises Nexif Energy on USD1 billion enterprise value sale to RATCH Group

KWM has advised Nexif Energy’s joint venture companies, owners of a leading South-East Asian and Australian renewables and power generation portfolio, on its USD605 million purchase price / USD1 billion enterprise value sale of the portfolio to RATCH Group. The owners of the Nexif Energy joint venture portfolio are funds managed or advised by Denham Capital and Nexif. .

30 August 2022

KWM advises on financing of Australia’s largest recent forestry acquisition for AXA Investment Managers

The plantations comprise over 22,000 hectares of sustainably managed pine plantations along the Victorian and South Australian borders in an area known as the ‘Green Triangle’. Specific details of the transaction are not being publicly disclosed, however the transaction is understood to be the biggest timber industry sale in Australia since 2012.

22 December 2021

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