The obligation
Requires persons to take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise harm to the environment from their activities.
Part 2 of the Act imposes a general environmental duty on all persons to take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise environmental harm arising from their activities. Breach of this duty can attract civil and criminal liability. The duty applies to individuals, businesses, and government entities operating in the ACT.
- What
- Requires persons to take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise harm to the environment from their activities.
- Source
- legislation.act.gov.au
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duty-of-care
pollution-prevention
ACT
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
General Environmental Duty of Care is a WHS requirement set out in Environment Protection Act 1997 (ACT). The relevant provision is Part 2.
What does this WHS obligation require?
General Environmental Duty of Care is a WHS obligation under Environment Protection Act 1997 (ACT). In short, Requires persons to take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise harm to the environment from their activities.
What changed recently?
General Environmental Duty of Care was last updated on 24 August 2026.
