Recent flooding in Queensland has highlighted the problems of un-insurance and underinsurance, with many consumers realising after the event that their policies do not cover loss or damage caused by flood. Regardless, the Financial Ombudsman Service has previously found in favour of applicants...

This article reviews the impact upon public authority liability for negligence of the introduction in Australia since 2002 of a variety of statutory restrictions upon public liability, in particular provisions introducing a new ‘policy defence' for authorities that is designed to reduce their...

In recent years, it has become apparent that unrestricted land use is incompatible with environmental sustainability. To confront this problem, Australian governments have enacted legislation which places limits on land use. In some instances these restrictions or obligations may be registered...

Since the latter part of the 20th century, Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) has underpinned environmental law and policy developments at the international, national and local levels. ESD is defIned as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of...

Climate change is projected to cause sea level rise, and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. As most of Queensland's population is settled in coastal areas, these events pose a major threat to development. The Queensland government has recognised this threat, and...

Climate change is expected to cause rising sea-levels, threatening communities and the built environment. Most Australian State Governments have responded to the threat of rising sea-levels by implementing laws and policies guiding future development in at risk areas. However, a number of...