We engage experts to advise us and the Environment minister under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). We appoint them for their knowledge and experience in many topic areas. Some of these areas include biodiversity, conservation and Indigenous heritage.
One of the aims of the EPBC Act is to promote a cooperative approach to protecting and managing the environment between:
- governments
- landholders
- First Australians
- the wider community.
Engaging advisory committees is one way to promote this approach. Each committee plays a specific role in helping us to protect Australia's unique environment.
Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC)
This committee advises the Environment minister on environment, heritage, policy and consultation matters.
IAC advice helps to ensure that, when making decisions about how the Act operates, the minister takes into account the significance of Indigenous Australians' knowledge of:
- land management
- conservation
- sustainable use of biodiversity.
This helps to ensure better access and engagement for First Australians.
Committee members have expertise in:
- Indigenous land and sea management
- biodiversity
- cultural heritage.
Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC)
This committee advises on the potential impacts of coal or coal seam gas developments. IESC advice helps to ensure transparency and a strong scientific basis for regulatory decisions.
Committee members have expertise in:
- geology
- hydrogeology
- hydrology
- ecology
- ecotoxicology.
Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC)
This committee advises on:
- threatened species and ecological communities
- threatening processes
- recovery and threat abatement plans
- conservation.
TSSC advice helps to ensure we protect native species and ecological communities.
Committee members have expertise in:
- flora and fauna conservation
- ecology.
Get in touch
For more information about our advisory committees, please contact us by:
- online enquiry form
- phone 1800 920 528. Phone service operates 9am to 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday, except public holidays