Abstract
A substantial portion of the work undertaken by acoustic consultants in both Australia and New Zealand involves the assessment of noise in the environment – be it from general industry, commerce, domestic, road/rail/aircraft traffic or a myriad of other sources. This paper provides a brief comparison of both statutory regulations and general duties of care applicable in the two countries. The paper also investigates the implications these have not only on the approach to objective assessment of environmental noise, but also a comparison of the impact on the various parties involved in the process – the generator of the noise, the receiver of the noise, and the requirements and responsibilities of the acoustic consultant.