We take alleged breaches of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) seriously. We assess every allegation and may investigate. We also have systems in place to report potential breaches of the EBPC Act. Learn about breaches, how to report them and how to avoid committing one.
If you believe that someone has breached, or is likely to breach, the EPBC Act, please contact us directly. You can discuss any compliance issue with us. We'll answer your questions promptly.
When you report information on a possible breach of the EPBC Act, you can remain anonymous.
Provide your contact details in case we need further information. This will help us to assess your allegation. If you provide your details, we'll keep your identity confidential.
Examples of breaches under the EPBC Act
Breaches can include:
- taking action without an approval
- breaching an approval condition
- starting an action after submitting a referral but before we've approved it
- failing to take action in a specific manner
- failing to obtain a permit
- not complying with a permit.
How to report a breach
You can tell us about a possible breach in many ways. Our web form allows you to remain anonymous.
Sending us documents, photos, audio files or videos can greatly help our assessment of the allegation. Specific locations and maps are also very helpful.
You can upload a maximum of 2 files via the form.
To contact us:
- Complete our Report a breach web form
- Email: environment.compliance@dcceew.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 110 395
- Post:
Triage and Wildlife Section
Environment Compliance Branch Division
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
GPO Box 3090
Canberra ACT 2601
If you want to undertake an action
Contact us if you're unsure whether or not your proposed project or development (action) will breach the EPBC Act.
We can help you identify what you need to know before deciding whether to submit a referral to us for assessment.
Submitting an online referral will help the Environment minister to determine whether your proposed action needs formal assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
Get in touch
If you'd like to know more about reporting a breach, contact us on:
Email: environment.compliance@dcceew.gov.au
Phone: 1800 110 395 between 9 am and 5 pm Canberra time.
If you'd like to know more about referring an action to us, contact our Referrals Gateway team on:
Email: epbc.referrals@dcceew.gov.au
Phone: 1800 423 135 between 9 am and 5 pm Canberra time.