Queensland and Another v. Commonwealth of Australia and Another

Abstract

Environment — Environmental protection — UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972 — Implementation — Federal State — Australia — Whether Commonwealth can override wishes of a State — Entry into the World Heritage List of the Wet Tropical Rainforest of North East Queensland — Relationship of World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 and Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 of the Commonwealth — Consideration of social and economic aspects of “environmental protection”

Treaties — Obligations of parties — Implementation — Federal State — Federal government proposing area for inclusion in the World Heritage List — Act in performance of Australia’s obligations under the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and National Heritage, 1972 — State of Queensland seeking injunction to restrain — Whether risk of potential damage to world heritage values

Relationship of international law and municipal law — Treaties — Statute — Interpretation — Consistency with international law — The law of Australia