Environment

2010 will be a very important year for environmental issues, not only in Australia, but for the Law School. Recent bushfires, floods and drought have all highlighted the need to take climate change seriously. As students, we are in an excellent position to push for change and to make sure environmental issues are very much on the political and social agenda. As Environment Officer, my overall objective is to create a forum where environmental issues can be discussed and initiatives taken within the Law School.

To this end, I aim:

1. to raise awareness of significant environmental issues around the law school,
2. to run information sessions on the various facets of environment law in Australia,
3. to provide practical opportunities for law students to be involved in environment policy development and litigation, and
4. to push to make the law school more environmentally friendly.

Environmental issues that will be targeted will include (but not be limited to):

• Climate Change.
• Climate and Social Justice. The impact of climate change on people around the world, including:
  • Developing nations.
  • Displacement and the impact on the poor.
  • Who should bare the economic cost of climate change?
  • Climate change and human rights.
  • Decision-making—who should participate in the decision-making process?
• Deforestation and the degradation of natural habitats, including the impact of deforestation in:
  • Victoria.
    • Water catchments in the Central Highlands.
    • East Gippsland.
  • Tasmania.
    • Tamar Pulp Mill.
    • Wielangta Forest.
• Animal welfare, including:
  
  • Treatment of animals in industry (livestock and production).
  • Biodiversity (habitat destruction and threatened native species).
  • Animal Cruelty.
• Sustainability.
  • Making the Law School more sustainable.
  • Recycling on campus.
• Water and Drought.

Environment Portfolio Events

• “Legally Green” lecture series.
  • A series of three lectures will be held in both semesters, with notable speakers from the environmental sphere including State and Federal Politicians, lawyers, and notable academics/scientists.
  • Lectures will be open to all departments including Law.
• Environment interest group.
  • Social events will be held throughout the year, giving students the opportunity to meet and discuss all things environmental with other students.
  • These events will include:
    • Dinners, picnics!
    • Excursions.
  • This will provide an excellent opportunity to meet other like-minded people, and have a social outlet outside study!
• Practical opportunities for law students starting with:
  • Beyond Collins Street seminar series, with lectures given by:
    • The Environmental Defenders Office.
    • Lawyers for Forests.
    • Plus other notable environmental professionals!
• Written submissions.
  • A written submission is a record of your views or opinions on a matter currently under consideration by a parliamentary committee. Once a submission has been accepted by the committee, it becomes evidence that can be used in parliamentary debate.
  • There will be an opportunity for students to participate in preparing written submissions. These are great opportunities to both improve skills, and to have a direct involvement in parliamentary discourse!
  • For more information, see the House of Representatives’ Preparing a Submission page.

If any of the above issues or events interest you, feel free to join the mailing list! To join, send an e-mail to our environment officer or visit our environment section.

Harrison Hilt and Stephanie Straube, Environmental Officers 2010.

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