National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure

NEPM: National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure 
Made by NEPC: 26 June 1998
Commenced: 8 July 1998

Please contact the relevant jurisdictional agency regarding detailed implementation information for this NEPM. Decisions about the way in which NEPMs are implemented are made by each jurisdiction individually.

Ambient Air Quality NEPM Goal

To achieve National Environment Protection Standards as assessed in accordance with (set) monitoring protocol.

Desired Environmental Outcomes

Ambient air quality that allows for the adequate protection of human health and well-being.

What's happening?

Proposed variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide

Public consultation for the impact statement and draft varied measure has now commenced and it will be open until Wednesday 7 August, 2019. This consultation provides an opportunity for the community to review and comment on the supporting evidence to vary the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Notice of intention to vary the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide

On 7 December 2018, Ministers gave notice of their intention to vary the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure standard for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, reflecting the latest scientific understanding on health risks arising from these pollutants. The variation seeks to establish more stringent reporting standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide pollution.

Past work on the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards

Variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM for airborne particles

On 15 December 2015, the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) approved the variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for particles. The variation established a more stringent reporting standard for particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10). Documents relating to this process can be found on the NEPC website at:

Review of the Ambient Air Quality NEPM

On 16 September 2011, Ministers agreed to release the review of the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure, and noted that the review's recommendations will be prioritised and responded to through the development of the National Plan for Clean Air. In 2015 the National Plan for Clean Air was replaced by the National Clean Air Agreement. The Agreement provides a robust framework for identifying cost effective emission reduction actions, and implementation arrangements. The recommendations in the 2011 review resulted in the 2015 variation for particles and the current draft varied measure for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Key documents

Further information