The obligation
Every person must take practicable or reasonable steps to prevent or minimise environmental harm or nuisance caused, or likely to be caused, by their activity.
Section 23A of EMPCA sets the general environmental duty: a person must take such steps as are practicable or reasonable to prevent or minimise environmental harm or environmental nuisance caused, or likely to be caused, by an activity they conduct.
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- What
- Every person must take practicable or reasonable steps to prevent or minimise environmental harm or nuisance caused, or likely to be caused, by their activity.
- Source
- legislation.tas.gov.au
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Labels
general-duty
pollution
environmental-harm
EMPCA
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
General Environmental Duty is a WHS requirement set out in Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (TAS). The relevant provision is Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 § 23A.
What does this WHS obligation require?
General Environmental Duty is a WHS obligation under Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (TAS). In short, Every person must take practicable or reasonable steps to prevent or minimise environmental harm or nuisance caused, or likely to be caused, by their activity.
What changed recently?
General Environmental Duty was last updated on 9 October 2026.
