Our portfolio

We represent national interests across climate change, energy, the environment and water.

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

Our ministers

The Hon Chris Bowen MP is Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP is Minister for the Environment and Water.

Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister is Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

Find out more about our ministers.

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 Energy Regulator (AER)

The AER regulates wholesale and retail energy markets, and energy networks, under national energy legislation and rules. 

Australian Institute of Marine Science

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is Australia’s tropical marine research agency. It helps governments, industry and the wider community to make informed decisions about the management of Australia’s marine estate.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)

ARENA works to accelerate Australia’s shift to affordable and reliable renewable energy.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

BOM is our national weather, climate and water agency.

Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)

CEFC mobilises capital investment in renewable energy, low-emission technology and energy efficiency projects in Australia.

Clean Energy Regulator

The Clean Energy Regulator is responsible for accelerating carbon abatement for Australia. It administers the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, Renewable Energy Target and Emissions Reduction Fund.

Climate Change Authority

The Climate Change Authority provides independent, expert advice to the government on climate change policy. It periodically reviews the Carbon Farming Initiative and National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System legislation.

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.

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.

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.

Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner

The Commissioner receives and refers complaints about wind farms, large-scale solar farms, energy storage facilities and new major transmission projects. The Commissioner also identifies and promotes best practices for planning and operating these projects.

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

The Water Holder manages Commonwealth water entitlements.

Inspector-General of Water Compliance

The Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC) will deliver the highest accountability for water use in the Murray-Darling Basin. They will seek to restore confidence for all stakeholders in the integrity of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Threatened Species Commissioner

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

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

Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (ECMC)

ECMC includes the Commonwealth Minister for Energy and Climate Change and relevant ministers from each Australian state and territory, and New Zealand. The council work together on issues and reforms in the energy and climate change sectors. Read the ECMC’s priorities.

Environment Ministers' Meeting (EMM)

EMM includes Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, and the Environment Minister from each Australian state and territory. They work directly on national issues. Read the EMM communiques.

Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Forum

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

Government business enterprise

Our portfolio includes a commonwealth-controlled company.

Snowy Hydro Limited

Snowy Hydro owns and operates the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme and other facilities for generating electricity. It participates in the National Electricity Market.
Visit the Snowy Hydro website

Other companies

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

Read more