LAWS17-806: Energy Law

Description

Energy Law is an elective subject in postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Law in which undergraduate students may be permitted to enrol.  Students enrolled in this subject will consider the issues, law and policy associated with energy in Australia. Given the current energy mix in Australia, there is a focus on petroleum (oil and gas) and the legal issues associated with the development of these resources. It also considers the downstream energy environment, with an examination of contracts related to downstream energy. Consideration is also given to Australia’s energy security, and the role and importance of renewable energy in Australia’s energy mix.

Subject details

Type: Undergraduate Subject
Code: LAWS17-806
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Law
Semesters offered:
  • September 2025 [Non-Standard Offering]
  • September 2026 [Non-Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Law
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2025: $4,460.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $4,600.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $5,990.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $6,260.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of: a) fundamental concepts in relation to energy; b) different types of regulation and the role regulation plays in energy law; c) legal aspects of petroleum licences; d) the regulation of onshore and offshore petroleum operations; e) regulation and development of conventional and unconventional petroleum activities in Australia; f) Australia's energy security paradigm and the role of Australian gas markets; g) renewable energy law and policy in Australia, and the role of renewables in Australia's energy paradigm; h) the future of energy in Australia, including law and policy; and i) legal principles and method.
  2. Demonstrate the reasoning, research and communication skills to: a) engage critically with historical and current debates in philosophy of law; b) understand, analyse and critique philosophical arguments relevant to law; and c) understand, analyse and critique appeals to legal and ethical theories in legal advocacy and practice.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) with an awareness of ethical responsibilities and context.
  4. Demonstrate: a) knowledge of principles and methods of legal research and critical reasoning; b) the reasoning and communication skills to engage in effective legal research and writing on theoretical topics; and c) the ability to plan and execute a substantial research based project.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil
Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):

Restrictions: This subject is not available to
  • This subject is not available to students on US Financial Aid.
  • Students on a Student Visa may be restricted from enrolment due to the mode of delivery in the chosen semester. Check the subject outline for further details.

Bond Law students must have completed a minimum 120 Credit Points of LAWS subjects AND have a minimum average of 65% in LAWS subjects. This subject is available to Law Study Abroad and Law Exchange students.

This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure.

Subject outlines

Subject dates

  • Non-Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 20/07/2025
    Semester start: 15/09/2025
    Subject start: 15/09/2025
    Last enrolment: 26/09/2025
    Teaching census: 09/10/2025
    Withdraw - Financial: 10/10/2025
    Withdraw - Academic: 26/10/2025
  • Non-Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 19/07/2026
    Semester start: 14/09/2026
    Subject start: 14/09/2026
    Last enrolment: 18/09/2026
    Teaching census: 08/10/2026
    Withdraw - Financial: 09/10/2026
    Withdraw - Academic: 25/10/2026
Non-Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 20/07/2025
Semester start: 15/09/2025
Subject start: 15/09/2025
Last enrolment: 26/09/2025
Teaching census: 09/10/2025
Withdraw - Financial: 10/10/2025
Withdraw - Academic: 26/10/2025