The obligation
Part 3.2 creates an offence for aggravated breach of the general environmental duty.
Section 27 deals with aggravated breach, and section 26 with multiple contraventions of the duty. The offence applies where the contravention results in, or is likely to result in, material harm and the person knew or reasonably should have known it would. Penalty: for a natural person, 4000 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment or both; for a body corporate, 20 000 penalty units. It is an indictable offence that may be heard and determined summarily.
- What
- Part 3.2 creates an offence for aggravated breach of the general environmental duty.
- Source
- content.legislation.vic.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Aggravated breach of the general environmental duty is a WHS requirement set out in Environment Protection Act 2017 (VIC). The relevant provision is Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) > Part 3.2 — General Environmental Duty.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Aggravated breach of the general environmental duty is a WHS obligation under Environment Protection Act 2017 (VIC). In short, Part 3.2 creates an offence for aggravated breach of the general environmental duty.
What changed recently?
Aggravated breach of the general environmental duty was last updated on 19 October 2026.