Department of the Environment (Australia, 2013–2016) facts for kids
 |
|
| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 18 September 2013 |
| Preceding Department |
|
| Dissolved | 19 July 2016 |
| Superseding agency |
|
| Type | Department |
| Jurisdiction | Commonwealth of Australia |
| Headquarters | John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia |
| Motto | "to protect and conserve Australia's environment and heritage" |
| Annual budget | $460 million in 2013–14 |
| Minister responsible |
|
| Department executive |
|
The Australian Department of the Environment was a special group within the Government of Australia. It worked from September 2013 to July 2016. Its main job was to create and carry out plans and rules to protect Australia's nature and important historical places.
Contents
About the Department
The Department of the Environment was part of the Australian Public Service. This means it was a government office that helped manage Australia's environment.
Who Was in Charge?
The top person in the department was called the Secretary. Dr Gordon de Brouwer was the Secretary. He reported to the Minister for the Environment, who was a politician. During its time, Greg Hunt and later Josh Frydenberg held this role.
History of the Department
The Department of the Environment started on 18 September 2013. It took over the jobs of an older department called the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. It also took on climate change duties from another department.
When Did It End?
The department closed down in July 2016. Its responsibilities, along with energy policy, then moved to a new group. This new group was called the Department of the Environment and Energy.
Budget Changes
From 2013 to 2016, the department faced big budget cuts. Its funding was reduced by 25% over four years. This was part of the government's plan to change environmental rules.
What Was Its Mission?
The department had clear goals. It aimed to protect and save Australia's environment. It also wanted to make sure Australia benefited from weather science. Another goal was to look after Australia's interests in Antarctica. The department created plans and laws to protect Australia's nature and history.
What Did the Department Do?
The department worked on many important environmental issues. Here are some of its main tasks:
- Protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
- Keeping the air clean.
- Setting rules for fuel quality.
- Dealing with polluted land.
- Studying weather patterns (meteorology).
- Managing the Australian Antarctic Territory and Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
- Protecting natural, old buildings, and cultural heritage sites.
- Gathering environmental information and doing research.
- Helping communities become more sustainable.
- Working on climate change policies.
- Supporting renewable energy.
- Tracking greenhouse gas emissions.
- Helping Australia adapt to climate change.
- Managing water policies and resources.
Key Programs
The department ran several big programs. Many of these focused on managing natural resources. A major one was under the Natural Heritage Trust. Another was the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. These programs were often managed with the Department of Agriculture.
Different Sections of the Department
The department had various sections that focused on different areas. These included:
- The Australian Antarctic Division, which looked after Australia's work in Antarctica.
- Parks Australia, which managed national parks.
- The Heritage Division, which protected important sites.
- The Australian Wildlife section, which focused on animals.
- The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which managed land around Sydney Harbour.
Protecting the Environment
The Department of the Environment was in charge of environmental laws. This included the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This law helps protect Australia's plants, animals, and special places. The department also helped Australia take part in international agreements about the environment.
Managing Islands
The department also looked after certain islands. These included the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island, and the McDonald Islands. It also helped with policies for Norfolk Island and Christmas Island.
