Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

The department is responsible for implementing the Australian Government's policies to protect our environment and heritage, and to promote a sustainable way of life.

Department website - www.environment.gov.au

Responsibilities

The department aims to support and implement the Australian Government's policy initiatives for a number of important challenges facing the Australian community, including:

• helping to protect Australia's unique biodiversity
• improving how water resources are managed, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin
• adapting to the impacts and challenges of climate change
• contributing to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, and
• developing a national sustainable population strategy.

Statutory authorities and executive agencies

The department and the following executive agencies and statutory authorities form the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities portfolio.

Bureau of Meteorology - www.bom.gov.au 

The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency. Through regular forecasts, monitoring, advice and spanning the Australian region and Antarctic territory, the Bureau assists Australians in dealing with their natural environment including, drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones.

Director of National Parks - www.environment.gov.au/parks

The Director of National Parks assists the minister and the department in the conservation and appreciation of Australia's biological diversity and associated cultural heritage, through leadership and cooperation in the management of Commonwealth parks and reserves.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) - www.gbrmpa.gov.au 

GBRMPA is the principal adviser to the Australian Government on the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

National Water Commission - www.nwc.gov.au 

The National Water Commission is responsible for driving progress towards the sustainable management and use of Australia's water resources under the blueprint for water reform - the National Water Initiative.

Office of the Supervising Scientist - www.environment.gov.au/ssd

The Office of the Supervising Scientist is responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the environmental performance of uranium mines in the Alligator Rivers Region (ARR) of the Northern Territory to ensure the ongoing protection of the environment in the region. The office is also involved in planning and assessment of rehabilitation works at former uranium mines in the region and provides advice to the Australian Government and the community on a range of radiation, radiological protection and nuclear issues.

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust - www.harbourtrust.gov.au 

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust conserves, protects and improves public access to former defence and Commonwealth sites around Sydney Harbour.