About the Commissioner
The Threatened Species Commissioner brings a national focus to conservation efforts and is helping to address the growing number of native plants and animals in Australia facing extinction.
The commissioner works collaboratively with the national Threatened Species Scientific Committee and the community, including the non-profit sector, Indigenous organisations, industry, scientists and all levels of government to broker solutions that avoid the extinction of Australia’s native species. The commissioner consults on, and raises awareness and support for, threatened species in the community. The role includes building on, and initiating, new initiatives and strategic approaches to threatened species conservation.
The commissioner takes a practical, evidence-based approach and is ensuring that conservation efforts and investment are better targeted, coordinated and more effective.
The commissioner’s role complements the government's responsibilities for threatened species protection and recovery under Australia’s national environment law - the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) - by having oversight of the development, implementation and reporting of programs that support threatened species. The work of the commissioner also supports and supplements the statutory responsibilities of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
Acknowledgements
The Commissioner and the Office of the Threatened Species Commissioner acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to their Elders both past and present. We are committed to working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and give particular acknowledgement to their use, knowledge and custodianship of Australia's native plants and animals over countless generations.
The department supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their aspirations to maintain, protect and manage their culture, language, land and sea country and heritage. For more information please see the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Terms of reference
Australia’s Threatened Species Commissioner is appointed by the Australian Government with key responsibilities outlined in the terms of reference.
Terms of Reference (PDF - 72.1 KB)
Terms of Reference (DOCX - 55.16 KB)