Our portfolio

We represent national interests across agriculture, water and the environment.

We are a large and diverse portfolio. This includes agencies, statutory and non-statutory bodies, independent advisors and industry representatives.

Our ministers

We have 5 ministers across the portfolio.

Our department

Our role and functions are diverse. Find out more about what we do.

Agencies and statutory bodies

Each operates under their own legislation.

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)

AFMA ensures that Commonwealth fisheries are well managed.

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

The APVMA reviews and registers pesticides and veterinary medicines. They regulate these products up to the point of retail sale.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

BOM is our national weather, climate and water agency.

Director of National Parks

The Director manages:

  • Commonwealth reserves
  • conservation zones

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

GBRMPA manages the Great Barrier Reef. They protect our global icon.

Forest and Wood Products Council (FWPC)

The FWPC operates as the Forest Industry Advisory Council. They advise the minister on forestry issues.

Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA)

MDBA plans and manages Basin-wide water resources. They also administer and enforce:

National Environment Protection Council (NEPC)

The NEPC makes the National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs). They assess how well NEPMs are put in place and operate.

Regional Investment Corporation (RIC)

RIC administers loans for:

  • farm businesses
  • water infrastructure

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

The Harbour Trust plans and manages Sydney Harbour sites.

Statutory office holders

Each office holder is independent. They have duties and functions assigned under relevant laws. These are outlined on their websites.

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

The Water Holder manages Commonwealth water entitlements.

Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB)

The IGB provides assurance over Australia’s biosecurity risk management systems through independent evaluation and verification of our biosecurity system.

Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports (IGLAE)

The IGLAE reviews the performance of functions and exercise of powers by us in regulating livestock exports under the:

  • Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997
  • Export Control Act 1982

Interim Inspector-General of Murray ̶ Darling Basin Water Resources

The Interim IGMDB provides independent oversight and monitors the progress of all aspects of Basin water resources management.

Threatened Species Commissioner

The Commissioner leads efforts to protect threatened species in the wild.

Rural research and development

Rural research and development corporations allow the Australian government and primary producers to co-invest in research and development (R&D). This benefits industry and regional communities.

There are 15 RDCs in total:

  • 5 Commonwealth statutory bodies
  • 10 industry-owned companies

Non-statutory bodies

These bodies:

  • facilitate the development of national responses to agriculture, water and environment issues
  • help to inform policy, programs and activities
  • advise the minister on certain issues

Agriculture Ministers’ Forum (AGMIN)

AGMIN includes Australian, state and territory and New Zealand ministers. They work on national issues. Read the AGMIN communiques.

Meeting of Environment Ministers (MEM)

MEM includes Australian, state and territory ministers. They work directly on national issues.

Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Forum

This forum includes Australian and Queensland ministers. They have roles under the Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement.

Industry consultative committees

These committees discuss agriculture industry issues. They focus on our regulatory and service delivery functions.

Other companies

We provide funding to not-for-profit companies. This includes:

The Australian Government is a shareholder in AHA and PHA.

Read more