Seminar Series
The EDO seminar series provides regular seminars on a variety of environmental law and related topics with a host of special guest speakers and panelists.
Held at the Green Building in Carlton these seminars are free of charge and open to all.
Where possible presentations are available to download on this page.
The EDO also presents at other seminars and lectures for community groups, legal professionals and others. Where appropriate these presentations will also be made available.
EDO Seminar Series 2012
2012 past seminar topics and presentations available for download:
The Reef goes to Court! EDO to run mock trial as part of the Sustainable Living Festival
18 February 2012
What if the environment had the right to take people to court? Inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef seek redress in a trial presided over by a real judge, with real lawyers, witnesses, no script – and a very real decision.
The trial tested issues of what would happen if nature had standing, and whether liability for climate change impacts can be attributed to big polluters.
BMW Edge, Federation Square. Part of the Sustainable Living Festival.
EDO Seminar Series 2011
2011 past seminar topics and presentations available for download:
Coal Seam Gas Mining
27 September 2011
Coal seam gas (‘CSG’) extraction has been the subject of recent controversy in Queensland and NSW. Now it is on its way to Victoria.
This seminar explained how the process works and what the environmental impacts are. It also looked at the Queensland experience, to provide a basis for discussing how CSG developments should proceed in Victoria.
- Presentation by Sean Ryan, Environment Defenders Office Queensland (PDF, 660KB)
What is Environmental Justice?
28 June 2011
- Presentation by Professor David Schlosberg, Department of Government and International Relations, The University of Sydney (PDF, 233KB)
- Presentation by Professor Robyn Eckersley, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne (PDF, 33KB)
New Developments in Climate Law
8 June 2011
Where is federal climate law and policy going? The Government is currently introducing the Carbon Farming Initiative, and the much-anticipated carbon price. These new laws complement a number of existing federal climate change policies such as the Renewable Energy Target. But will they be enough to tackle climate change? Are they successfully attracting investment in green industries, and driving the transition to a clean economy? What more is needed?
- Speech by Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Cabinet Secretary, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (PDF, 37KB)
- Presentation by Elisa de Wit, Leader, Australian Climate Change Practice, Norton Rose (PDF, 1.2MB)
Please note: The presentation by Associate Professor Peter Christoff - Climate change policy expert, University of Melbourne is too large to include here.
The Carbon Farming Initiative - Will it work for you?
20 April 2011
The Federal Government is currently introducing the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) - a voluntary carbon offset scheme for the agriculture, land use and forestry sectors. If you own or manage land or livestock, this scheme is meant to offer you the chance to reduce carbon, improve biodiversity and make money all at the same time. But will it? If not, what can you do about it? This seminar was for those who could participate in the scheme, and for those wanting to have input into making the CFI effective and successful.
Careers in Environmental Law
29 March 2011
A panel of experts discuss options for career paths in environmental law and the skills and experience that will get you there. No speaker notes available.
Resources:
- Jobs and internships in Environmental Law and Policy (PDF, 133KB)
- Australian universities offering environmental law courses (PDF, 83KB)
The Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - Does it protect the environment?
22 February 2011
Discussed how effective the Act is at protecting Australia's most significant biodiversity and ways in which the Act could be amended or better implemented to achieve its aims. Professor Mark Burgmann - Professor of Environmental Science and Director of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis at the University of Melbourne; Matt Ruchel - Executive Director of the Victorian National Parks Association; Shane Gaddes and Charmayne Murray - Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
Presentations:
- Presentation by Matt Ruchel, Executive Director of the Victorian National Parks Association. (PDF, 1.56MB) Please note this version of the presentation has had some images removed to reduce the file size please contact the EDO office if you would like a copy of the complete presentation.
- Presentation by Shane Gaddes, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. (PDF 1.64MB)
Previous Years:
This page was last updated on: 20/02/2012 17:35:18