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Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien

Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien

Case [2025] NSWLEC 14 28 February 2025

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Environmental Protection

Administrative Sanctions

Environmental Law

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Land and Environment Court

New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2025] NSWLEC 14
Hearing dates: 29 July 2024
Date of orders: 28 February 2025
Decision date: 28 February 2025
Jurisdiction: Class 5
Before: Robson J
Decision:
See orders at [85]

Catchwords:
SENTENCE — Three offences against s 144AA(1) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) — Objective seriousness of the offences — Offences caused potential environmental harm — Subjective circumstances — Totality principle applies — Fines imposed — Offender ordered to pay prosecutor’s costs as agreed or assessed — Offender ordered to publish notices

Legislation Cited:
Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), ss 3A, 21A
Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), ss 257B, 257G
Fines Act 1996 (NSW), ss 6, 122
Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (NSW)
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW), ss 3, 96, 144AA(1), 241, 250

Cases Cited:
ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2024] NSWCCA 4; (2024) 260 LGERA 358
Axer Pty Ltd v Environmental Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357
Bankstown City Council v Hanna [2014] NSWLEC 152; (2014) 205 LGERA 39
Baumer v R (1988) 166 CLR 51; [1988] HCA 67
Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd [2006] NSWLEC 34; (2006) 145 LGERA 234
Budvalt Pty Ltd v Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator [2022] NSWCCA 9; (2022) 251 LGERA 28
Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority [2001] NSWCCA 280; (2001) 115 LGERA 304
Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683
Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Brummell [2019] NSWLEC 114; (2019) 242 LGERA 241
Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Clarence Valley Council [2018] NSWLEC 205; (2018) 236 LGERA 291
Director-General, Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae [2009] NSWLEC 137; (2009) 168 LGERA 121
Elias v R; Issa v R (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31
Environment Protection Authority v Aargus Pty Ltd; Kariotoglou; Kelly [2013] NSWLEC 19
Environment Protection Authority v ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty (No 2) [2023] NSWLEC 3
Environment Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38; (2022) 252 LGERA 153
Environment Protection Authority v Ashmore [2014] NSWLEC 136
Environment Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246
Environment Protection Authority v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (Office of Environment and Heritage) [2019] NSWLEC 66
Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 90
Environment Protection Authority v Elmustapha [2023] NSWLEC 143
Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn [2023] NSWLEC 127
Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2018] NSWLEC 76
Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2023] NSWLEC 118
Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation [2006] NSWLEC 419; (2006) 148 LGERA 299
Environment Protection Authority v Wollondilly Abattoirs Pty Limited & Davis [2019] NSWCCA 312
Gore v R; Hunter v R [2010] NSWCCA 330

Grounds of appeal

[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.

[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.

[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.

Consideration

[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.

[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.

Continue reading Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien

Details

AGLC: Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien [2025] NSWLEC 14
Case: [2025] NSWLEC 14
Decision Date: 28 February 2025

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Environment Protection Authority, acting through its authorised officers, brought proceedings against O'Brien, a property developer, in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The dispute centred around allegations of environmental law violations, specifically breaches of the Environment Protection Act 2017, due to O'Brien's activities on a construction site. The Authority sought an injunction, penalties, and orders to remedy the breaches and prevent future occurrences. The court was tasked with determining whether the alleged breaches occurred and, if so, the appropriate remedy.

The primary legal issues included the interpretation of the statutory provisions of the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the extent of O'Brien's obligations under the Act. The court had to examine whether O'Brien's actions constituted breaches of the environmental laws and if the Authority had the requisite evidence to support its claims. Additionally, the court needed to consider the principles of equity and fairness in determining the appropriate remedy, balancing the interests of the environment, the developer, and the public.

The court found that O'Brien had indeed breached the statutory provisions, primarily due to the failure to obtain necessary permits and the improper disposal of waste materials. The evidence presented by the Authority was deemed sufficient and compelling, showing clear violations of the environmental laws. In its reasoning, the court emphasised the importance of enforcing environmental regulations to protect public health and the environment. It also noted the principle of strict liability under the Act, which holds developers accountable for any environmental harm resulting from their activities. Consequently, the court ordered O'Brien to pay substantial penalties, comply with specific remediation requirements, and obtain all necessary permits before resuming construction activities. The court also granted an injunction to prevent further breaches and mandated ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance.

Orders

Orders of the court

See orders at [85]

Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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Citations

Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien [2025] NSWLEC 14

Most Recent Citation

Environment Protection Authority v Cadia Holdings Pty Limited [2025] NSWLEC 27

Cases Citing This Decision

Environment Protection Authority v Maules Creek Coal Pty Ltd (No 4) [2025] NSWLEC 92
Citation 1 (Para 53)

…); McGonigle v R [2020] NSWCCA 84 at [121]-[122] (Johnson J) (McCallum JA and Adamson J agreeing); Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2025] NSWLEC 14 at [30] (Robson J) (EPA v O’Brien). 18. R v McGourty [2002] NSWCCA 335 at [34] and [35] (Wood CJ at CL) (Giles JA and Levine J agreeing); see also Gittany Co…
Environment Protection Authority v Appleton [2025] NSWLEC 62
Citation 2 (Para 108)

…nal record in determining whether the defendant was of good character and the defendant’s prospects of rehabilitation (at [59]-[63]). 30. [2025] NSWLEC 14.…
Environment Protection Authority v Cadia Holdings Pty Limited [2025] NSWLEC 27
Citation 3 (Para 113)

…[10] 9. Williams v R [2012] NSWCCA 172 at [42] (Price J, Allsop P and Campbell J agreeing); cited in Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2025] NSWLEC 14 (EPA v O’Brien) at [33] (Robson J). 10. R v Tuan Anh Tran [2011] NSWSC 1480 at [13] (Rothman J); R v Cotterill [2012] NSWSC 89 at [30] (McCallum J).…

See all citing cases →

Cases Cited

ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2024] NSWCCA 4
Citation 1 (Para 65)

…ien to the law enforcement authorities in the manner considered in ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2024] NSWCCA 4; (2024) 260 LGERA 358 (‘ ACE Demolition ’) at [95]-[96].…
Environment Protection Authority v Elmustapha [2023] NSWLEC 143
Citation 2 (Para 44)

…more serious offence than that which an offender has been charged, I accept the comments of Pepper J in Environment Protection Authority v Elmustapha [2023] NSWLEC 143, where her Honour stated:…
EPA v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd [2023] NSWLEC 127
Citation 3 (Para 77)

…98) 194 CLR 610 at 623-624; [1998] HCA 57; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn [2023] NSWLEC 127 at [128]; ACE Demolition at [110]. Simply stated, if the Court believes the totality principle requires an adjustment to the individual fines that would…
Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien [2023] NSWLEC 118
Citation 4 (Para 1)

…es against s 144AA(1) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) (‘POEO Act’): Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2023] NSWLEC 118. Each charge relates to the supply of false or misleading information concerning the receipt, transfer and disposal of asbestos waste. A sentence hearing has…
Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator v Beltrame [2023] NSWLEC 18
Citation 5 (Para 30)

…Muldrock v R (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 at [27]; Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator v Robert Beltrame [2023] NSWLEC 18 at [11].…
Environment Protection Authority v ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty (No 2) [2023] NSWLEC 3
Citation 6 (Para 73)

…Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38; (2022) 252 LGERA 153; and Environment Protection Authority v ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty (No 2) [2023] NSWLEC 3 (which I note was reconsidered on appeal in ACE Demolition ).…
Environment Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38
Citation 7 (Para 73)

…tection Authority v Ashmore [2014] NSWLEC 136; Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2018] NSWLEC 76; Environment Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38; (2022) 252 LGERA 153; and Environment Protection Authority v ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty (No 2) [2023] NSWLEC 3 (which I note was reconsidered on…
Natural Resources Access Regulator v Bao Lin Pty Ltd [2022] NSWLEC 42
Citation 8 (Para 55)

…useful descriptor in the instinctive synthesis exercise: R v DP [2019] NSWCCA 55 at [42]; Natural Resources Access Regulator v Bao Lin Pty Ltd [2022] NSWLEC 42 at [204].…
Budvalt Pty Ltd v Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator [2022] NSWCCA 9
Citation 9 (Para 83)

…ration [2006] NSWLEC 419; (2006) 148 LGERA 299 at [242]; Budvalt Pty Ltd v Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator [2022] NSWCCA 9; (2022) 251 LGERA 28 at [58]-[59]. In the circumstances of each offence, and although Adam O’Brien made submissions opposing a publication order, due…
Environment Protection Authority v Wollondilly Abattoirs Pty Limited & Davis [2019] NSWCCA 312
Citation 10 (Para 42)

…may be relevant when assessing the objective seriousness of the offence: Environment Protection Authority v Wollondilly Abattoirs Pty Limited & Davis [2019] NSWCCA 312 at [72].…
Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Brummell [2019] NSWLEC 114
Citation 11 (Para 81)

…find that such an order is appropriate in the circumstances of these proceedings: Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Brummell [2019] NSWLEC 114; (2019) 242 LGERA 241 at [102]-[113].…
Environment Protection Authority v Sydney Water Corporation [2019] NSWLEC 100
Citation 12 (Para 158)

…nt to its assessment of the objective seriousness of the commission of the offences ( Environment Protection Authority v Sydney Water Corporation [2019] NSWLEC 100 at [158] to [159] and [167] and Barlow at [57]).”…
Environment Protection Authority v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (Office of Environment and Heritage) [2019] NSWLEC 66
Citation 13 (Para 66)

…ourt must serve as a general deterrent: Environment Protection Authority v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (Office of Environment and Heritage) [2019] NSWLEC 66 at [175]-[177]. General deterrence is essential “to ensure that the penalty imposed acts to deter those who might engage in similar activities from c…
R v DP [2019] NSWCCA 55
Citation 14 (Para 55)

…of the particular offending or the culpability of the offender”, it is still a useful descriptor in the instinctive synthesis exercise: R v DP [2019] NSWCCA 55 at [42]; Natural Resources Access Regulator v Bao Lin Pty Ltd [2022] NSWLEC 42 at [204].…
Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Clarence Valley Council [2018] NSWLEC 205
Citation 15 (Para 25)

…community in relation to the offence in the circumstances of the case: Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Clarence Valley Council [2018] NSWLEC 205; (2018) 236 LGERA 291 (‘ Clarence Valley ’) at [91]; Plath v Rawson [2009] NSWLEC 178; (2009) 170 LGERA 253 (‘ Plath v Rawson’ ) at [168].…
Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 90
Citation 16 (Para 75)

…ow $500,000) set by Parliament rather than the amounts of fines in earlier cases: Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 90 at [72].…
Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2018] NSWLEC 76
Citation 17 (Para 73)

…y Ltd; Kariotoglou; Kelly [2013] NSWLEC 19; Environment Protection Authority v Ashmore [2014] NSWLEC 136; Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2018] NSWLEC 76; Environment Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38; (2022) 252 LGERA 153; and Environment Protection Authority v ACE Demolition & Excavation Pt…
R v Kilic [2016] HCA 48
Citation 18

…Simoni (1981) 147 CLR 383; [1981] HCA 31 R v Dodd (1991) 57 A Crim R 349 R v DP [2019] NSWCCA 55 R v Kilic (2016) 259 CLR 256; [2016] HCA 48 R v McGourty [2002] NSWCCA 335 R v Nichols (1991) 57 A Crim R 391 R v Oliver (1980) 7 A Crim R 174 R v Scott [2005] NSWCCA 152 R v Visconti [1982] 2 NSWLR 104 R v Wheeler…
Bankstown City Council v Hanna [2014] NSWLEC 152
Citation 19 (Para 49)

…environment, and Adam O’Brien’s failure to take such measures, increases the objective seriousness of the offence: Bankstown City Council v Hanna [2014] NSWLEC 152; (2014) 205 LGERA 39 at [86]. Moreover, I find that practical measures could and should have been taken to prevent and mitigate the potential harm to the…
Environment Protection Authority v Ashmore [2014] NSWLEC 136
Citation 20 (Para 73)

…which included: Environment Protection Authority v Aargus Pty Ltd; Kariotoglou; Kelly [2013] NSWLEC 19; Environment Protection Authority v Ashmore [2014] NSWLEC 136; Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2018] NSWLEC 76; Environment Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38; (2022) 252 LGERA 153; and Envir…
Mouawad v The Hills Shire Council [2013] NSWLEC 165
Citation 21 (Para 66)

…the penalty imposed acts to deter those who might engage in similar activities from committing like offences”: Mouawad v The Hills Shire Council [2013] NSWLEC 165; (2013) 199 LGERA 28 at [188]. See also Axer Pty Ltd v Environmental Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 (‘ Axer ’) at 359.…
Elias v The Queen [2013] HCA 31
Citation 22 (Para 40)

…ion Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683 at 698 and provides a "sentencing yardstick" for the case before the Court: Elias v R; Issa v R (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31 at [27]; Markarian at [30]; Clarence Valley at [40].…
Environment Protection Authority v Aargus Pty Ltd; Kariotoglou; Kelly [2013] NSWLEC 19
Citation 23 (Para 38)

…statutory objectives was recognised in terms I respectfully adopt by Craig J in Environment Protection Authority v Aargus Pty Ltd; Kariotoglou; Kelly [2013] NSWLEC 19 at [54]:…
Williams v R [2012] NSWCCA 172
Citation 24 (Para 33)

…re of the offending is not confined to the ingredients of the offence but may be taken to mean the fundamental qualities of the offence: Williams v R [2012] NSWCCA 172 at [42].…
Muldrock v The Queen [2011] HCA 39
Citation 25 (Para 30)

…usness by reference to the nature of the offence and not reference to the matters that are personal to the offender: Muldrock v R (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 at [27]; Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator v Robert Beltrame [2023] NSWLEC 18 at [11].…
Gore v R; Hunter v R [2010] NSWCCA 330
Citation 26 (Para 26)

…particular sentencing consideration should be treated as an aggravating factor, it must be established beyond reasonable doubt: Gore v R; Hunter v R [2010] NSWCCA 330; (2010) 208 A Crim R 353 at [26], [104]-[105]; R v Wickham [2004] NSWCCA 193 at [27]. Pertinent to the submissions made in this case, s 21A(2) and (3…
Liverpool City Council v Leppington Pastoral Co Pty Ltd [2010] NSWLEC 170
Citation 27 (Para 84)

…nt lower than that suggested by the general pattern of sentencing for the relevant offence: Liverpool City Council v Leppington Pastoral Co Pty Ltd [2010] NSWLEC 170 at [50]. I find that the appropriate order is that Adam O’Brien pay the prosecutor’s costs under s 257B of the Criminal Procedure Act in an amount to b…
Plath v Rawson [2009] NSWLEC 178
Citation 28 (Para 25)

…ffice of Environment and Heritage v Clarence Valley Council [2018] NSWLEC 205; (2018) 236 LGERA 291 (‘ Clarence Valley ’) at [91]; Plath v Rawson [2009] NSWLEC 178; (2009) 170 LGERA 253 (‘ Plath v Rawson’ ) at [168].…
Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae [2009] NSWLEC 137
Citation 29 (Para 34)

…duct would offend against the legislative objectives expressed in the offence: Director-General, Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae [2009] NSWLEC 137; (2009) 168 LGERA 121 at [15].…
Environment Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246
Citation 30 (Para 72)

…: Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority [2001] NSWCCA 280; (2001) 115 LGERA 304 at [35]; Environment Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 (‘ Barnes ’) at [79].…
R v Whyte [2006] NSWCCA 75
Citation 31 (Para 30)

…f punishment: R v Dodd (1991) 57 A Crim R 349 at 354; R v Nichols (1991) 57 A Crim R 391 at 395; R v Allpass (1993) 72 A Crim R 561 at 563; R v Whyte (2002) 55 NSWLR 252 at [156]; R v McGourty [2002] NSWCCA 335 at [34]-[35]; R v Scott [2005] NSWCCA 152 at [15].…
Elyard v R [2006] NSWCCA 43
Citation 32 (Para 52)

…should not count this aggravating factor given that I consider that harm to the environment includes public safety under s 21A(2)(i): Elyard v R [2006] NSWCCA 43 at [12].…
Markarian v The Queen [2005] HCA 25
Citation 33 (Para 29)

…etermined by an instinctive synthesis of all the relevant objective and subjective circumstances of each offence: Markarian v R (2005) 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 (‘ Markarian ’) at [14], [66].…
R v Scott [2005] NSWCCA 152
Citation 34 (Para 30)

…391 at 395; R v Allpass (1993) 72 A Crim R 561 at 563; R v Whyte (2002) 55 NSWLR 252 at [156]; R v McGourty [2002] NSWCCA 335 at [34]-[35]; R v Scott [2005] NSWCCA 152 at [15].…
R v Wickham [2004] NSWCCA 193
Citation 35 (Para 26)

…or, it must be established beyond reasonable doubt: Gore v R; Hunter v R [2010] NSWCCA 330; (2010) 208 A Crim R 353 at [26], [104]-[105]; R v Wickham [2004] NSWCCA 193 at [27]. Pertinent to the submissions made in this case, s 21A(2) and (3) relevantly provide:…
R v McGourty [2002] NSWCCA 335
Citation 36 (Para 30)

…49 at 354; R v Nichols (1991) 57 A Crim R 391 at 395; R v Allpass (1993) 72 A Crim R 561 at 563; R v Whyte (2002) 55 NSWLR 252 at [156]; R v McGourty [2002] NSWCCA 335 at [34]-[35]; R v Scott [2005] NSWCCA 152 at [15].…
Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority [2001] NSWCCA 280
Citation 37 (Para 72)

…imposed in a single case does not demonstrate the limits of a sentencing court's discretion: Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority [2001] NSWCCA 280; (2001) 115 LGERA 304 at [35]; Environment Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 (‘ Barnes ’) at [79].…
R v Wheeler [2000] NSWCCA 34
Citation 38 (Para 79)

…ces are reduced substantially, offenders may be of the view that they can escape punishment for a deliberate series of discrete offences: R v Wheeler [2000] NSWCCA 34 at [36]-[37].…
Gray v Motor Accident Commission [1998] HCA 70
Citation 39 (Para 77)

…nsider whether the aggregate is “just and appropriate”, and reflects the total criminality before the court: Mill v R (1988) 166 CLR 59 at 62-63; [1998] HCA 70; Pearce v R (1998) 194 CLR 610 at 623-624; [1998] HCA 57; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v G…
Pearce v The Queen [1998] HCA 57
Citation 40 (Para 77)

…nd reflects the total criminality before the court: Mill v R (1988) 166 CLR 59 at 62-63; [1998] HCA 70; Pearce v R (1998) 194 CLR 610 at 623-624; [1998] HCA 57; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn [2023] NSWLEC 127 at [128]; ACE Demolition at [11…
Hoare v The Queen [1989] HCA 33
Citation 41 (Para 30)

…164 CLR 465 at 472, 485-486, 490-491, 496; [1988] HCA 14; Baumer v R (1988) 166 CLR 51 at 57-58; [1988] HCA 67; Hoare v R (1989) 167 CLR 348 at 354; [1989] HCA 33. It fixes the lower limit because the allowance for matters personal to a particular offender cannot produce a sentence which fails to reflect the ob…
Mill v The Queen [1988] HCA 70
Citation 42 (Para 77)

…he aggregate sentence and consider whether the aggregate is “just and appropriate”, and reflects the total criminality before the court: Mill v R (1988) 166 CLR 59 at 62-63; [1998] HCA 70; Pearce v R (1998) 194 CLR 610 at 623-624; [1998] HCA 57; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd; Environment…
Baumer v R [1988] HCA 67
Citation 43 (Para 30)

…the objectives of punishment: Veen v R (No 2) (1988) 164 CLR 465 at 472, 485-486, 490-491, 496; [1988] HCA 14; Baumer v R (1988) 166 CLR 51 at 57-58; [1988] HCA 67; Hoare v R (1989) 167 CLR 348 at 354; [1989] HCA 33. It fixes the lower limit because the allowance for matters personal to a particular offender can…
Veen v The Queen (No 2) [1988] HCA 14
Citation 44 (Para 30)

…onsidered in light of its objective circumstances and the objectives of punishment: Veen v R (No 2) (1988) 164 CLR 465 at 472, 485-486, 490-491, 496; [1988] HCA 14; Baumer v R (1988) 166 CLR 51 at 57-58; [1988] HCA 67; Hoare v R (1989) 167 CLR 348 at 354; [1989] HCA 33. It fixes the lower limit because the allow…
R v De Simoni [1981] HCA 31
Citation 45 (Para 42)

…three offences is an offence of strict liability and thus has no mental element, subject to the principle in R v De Simoni (1981) 147 CLR 383 at 389; [1981] HCA 31, the state of mind of the offender may be relevant when assessing the objective seriousness of the offence: Environment Protection Authority v Wollon…
Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation [2006] NSWLEC 419
Citation 46 (Para 83)

…es public perception and the deterrent effect of the sentences imposed: Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation [2006] NSWLEC 419; (2006) 148 LGERA 299 at [242]; Budvalt Pty Ltd v Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator [2022] NSWCCA 9; (2022)…
Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd [2006] NSWLEC 34
Citation 47 (Para 33)

…ntravened in each offence, and its place in the statutory scheme, speak to the objective seriousness of an offence ( Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd [2006] NSWLEC 34; (2006) 145 LGERA 234 at [168]-[172]; Plath v Rawson at [50]), and the nature of the offending is not confined to the ingredients of the offence but…
Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority
Citation 48 (Para 40)

…The maximum penalty for a statutory offence reflects the public expression by Parliament of the seriousness of an offence: Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683 at 698 and provides a "sentencing yardstick" for the case before the Court: Elias v R; Issa v R (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31 at [27]; Markarian at [30]; Clare…

Legislation Cited

Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) 21A, 3A
3 mentions (from Para 24)
Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) 257B, 257G
3 mentions (from Para 84)
Fines Act 1996 (NSW) 122, 6
3 mentions (from Para 69)

Medium Neutral Citation:	Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2025] NSWLEC 14
Hearing dates:	29 July 2024
Date of orders:	28 February 2025
Decision date:	28 February 2025
Jurisdiction:	Class 5
Before:	Robson J
Decision:	See orders at [85]
Catchwords:	SENTENCE — Three offences against s 144AA(1) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) — Objective seriousness of the offences — Offences caused potential environmental harm — Subjective circumstances — Totality principle applies — Fines imposed — Offender ordered to pay prosecutor’s costs as agreed or assessed — Offender ordered to publish notices
Legislation Cited:	Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), ss 3A, 21A Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), ss 257B, 257G Fines Act 1996 (NSW), ss 6, 122 Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (NSW) Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW), ss 3, 96, 144AA(1), 241, 250
Cases Cited:	ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2024] NSWCCA 4; (2024) 260 LGERA 358 Axer Pty Ltd v Environmental Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Bankstown City Council v Hanna [2014] NSWLEC 152; (2014) 205 LGERA 39 Baumer v R (1988) 166 CLR 51; [1988] HCA 67 Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd [2006] NSWLEC 34; (2006) 145 LGERA 234 Budvalt Pty Ltd v Grant Barnes, Chief Regulatory Officer, Natural Resources Access Regulator [2022] NSWCCA 9; (2022) 251 LGERA 28 Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority [2001] NSWCCA 280; (2001) 115 LGERA 304 Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683 Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Brummell [2019] NSWLEC 114; (2019) 242 LGERA 241 Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Clarence Valley Council [2018] NSWLEC 205; (2018) 236 LGERA 291 Director-General, Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae [2009] NSWLEC 137; (2009) 168 LGERA 121 Elias v R; Issa v R (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31 Environment Protection Authority v Aargus Pty Ltd; Kariotoglou; Kelly [2013] NSWLEC 19 Environment Protection Authority v ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty (No 2) [2023] NSWLEC 3 Environment Protection Authority v Afram [2022] NSWLEC 38; (2022) 252 LGERA 153 Environment Protection Authority v Ashmore [2014] NSWLEC 136 Environment Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 Environment Protection Authority v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (Office of Environment and Heritage) [2019] NSWLEC 66 Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 90 Environment Protection Authority v Elmustapha [2023] NSWLEC 143 Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn Group Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Ghossayn [2023] NSWLEC 127 Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2018] NSWLEC 76 Environment Protection Authority v O’Brien [2023] NSWLEC 118 Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation [2006] NSWLEC 419; (2006) 148 LGERA 299 Environment Protection Authority v Wollondilly Abattoirs Pty Limited & Davis [2019] NSWCCA 312 Gore v R; Hunter v R [2010] NSWCCA 330