BIG ENERGY COMPANY FINED $450,000
A MAJOR Australian energy company, GE Grid Australia, has been fined $450,000 after failing to report imports of equipment containing the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) over eight reporting periods from 2018–2022. The Federal Court found repeated, serious breaches of environmental law under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. Authorities said the case reinforces that companies must meet reporting obligations, as SF6 has extremely high global warming potential.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES REPORT PRIORITIES
THE NSW Government has released the NSW Primary Industries Workforce Strategy 2025–2030 to support profitable, sustainable and innovative agriculture, forestry and fishing through a skilled, diverse, future-ready workforce. Developed with industry and community consultation, it sets three priorities: boosting business adaptability and innovation, fostering a diverse and accessible workforce, and building careers and capabilities. With primary industries delivering record value, the strategy outlines initiatives to address workforce challenges and drive regional growth and sustainability over the next decade.
NOW IS THE TIME TO SECURE WORKSITES
SAFEWORK NSW is urging construction businesses to properly secure worksites over the Christmas–New Year shutdown to prevent injuries, deaths, theft and vandalism. Inspectors will visit sites before and during the break to promote preparedness and ensure legal obligations are met. Sites must be fenced, locked, powered down, cleared of debris, and hazardous areas secured. Unsecured sites risk improvement or prohibition notices and fines. Managers are encouraged to use SafeWork NSW’s site security checklist.
