Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Address:   John Gorton Building 
King Edward Terrace 
Parkes ACT 2600 
Australia
Mail: 
 GPO Box 787 
Canberra ACT 2601  
Australia
Internet:  www.environment.gov.au
Phone:   02 6274 1111 
+61 2 6274 1111 (international)
Fax:  
 02 6274 1666 
+61 2 6274 1666 (international)
© Commonwealth of Australia, 2015.
The Department of the Environment Corporate Plan 2015–16 is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under 
a Creative Commons by Attribution 4.0 Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth 
of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and any images 
depicting people. For licence conditions see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/au/ 
This report should be attributed as ‘The Department of the Environment Corporate Plan 2015–16, 
Commonwealth of Australia 2015’.
The Commonwealth of Australia has made all reasonable efforts to identify content supplied by third parties using 
the following format ‘© Copyright, [name of third party]’.
Disclaimer 
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the 
Australian Government or the Minister for the Environment.
Image credits 
Front cover:  
(First row, left to right) Yellow Water Lagoon wetlands in Kakadu National Park, Michelle McAulay © Department of the 
Environment, Orange gorgonia fans in the Mermaid Reef-Rowley Shoals © Cathy Zwick, Aerial shot of the coastline in 
the Freycinet National Park, Rob Blakers © Department of the Environment and Rob Blakers 
(Second row, left to right) Juvenile Australian Sea Lion at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island © Michael Snedic, Traverse train 
on its way to Law Dome in Antarctica, Alison McMorrow © Department of the Environment, Selection of Rainforest 
Fruits, Wet Tropics Management Authority Qld © Department of the Environment and Wet Tropics Management 
Authority Qld 
(Third row, left to right) Sampling water at the mouth of the Endeavour River near Cooktown, Kerry Trapnell 
© Department of the Environment and Kerry Trapnell, Western pygmy possum amongst the eucalypts in the Birds 
Australia Gluepot Reserve north of Waikerie © Nick Rains
Back cover: 
(First row, left to right) Aerial view of Big Lagoon (an inundated birrida) in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, 
Western Australia © Rory Chapple (CALM), Geikie Gorge National Park, John Baker © Department of the 
Environment, Feather Star in the Houtman Abrolhos Marine Area © Cathy Zwick
(Second row, left to right) Tasmanian devil © Leanne Chow, Indigenous rock art site near Yellow Water Lagoon, 
Kakadu National Park, Sarah Stuart-Smith © Department of the Environment, Captain Cooks Cottage, John Baker 
© Department of the Environment
(Third row) Willandra Lakes Region, John Houldsworth © Department of the Environment
2 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 5 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 7 link to page 8 link to page 13 link to page 15 link to page 17 link to page 19 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 24 link to page 26 link to page 27 link to page 28 link to page 34 link to page 36 link to page 38 link to page 41 Contents
Contents
Message from the Secretary 
4
Introduction 
5
Role 
5
Our people 
5
Operational context 
6
Purposes 
7
Environment and heritage 
8
Climate change 
13
Antarctica 
15
Water 
17
Enabling activities 
19
Capability 
23
Our values 
23
The way we operate 
23
Support 
24
Risk oversight and management 
26
Appendix: Performance measures 
27
Environment and heritage 
28
Climate change 
34
Antarctica 
36
Water 
38
Enabling activities 
41
3

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Con
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Message from the Secretary
I am pleased to release the first corporate plan for the Department of the Environment under the 
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The plan sets out the direction for the 
Department over the coming four years. 
The role of the Environment Department is to advise on and implement environment policy to support the 
Government in achieving a healthy environment, strong economy and thriving community now and for 
the future. 
The Department is the principal adviser to the Government on environmental matters. Our advice is developed 
through active collaboration with the community, business, industry, governments and non-government 
organisations. We understand Australia’s unique and diverse environment, the interrelationships between the 
environment and economy and society, and the long term implications of decisions. Our ability to place the 
environment in its broader context allows the Department to contribute more effectively to debates and decisions 
that shape Australia’s future.
As a Department, we are good at managing risk. But more than that, we engage with risk to identify 
opportunities to innovate and deliver better environmental outcomes. 
We have a firm commitment to engaging Indigenous people in our work—be it through recruitment and 
retention, supply of goods and services, or on ground delivery of programmes and projects. 2015–16 will see 
us continue to pursue actions that contribute to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage and celebrate the 
contribution of Indigenous people to natural resource management.
Over the next four years, the Department’s priorities will fall under four purposes: environment and heritage, 
climate change, Antarctica and water. We will continue to focus on the implementation and monitoring of 
programmes encompassing the Green Army, Landcare and Twenty Million Trees, the Emissions Reduction Fund, 
water management, and Australia’s operations in Antarctica and national parks. We will continue to provide the 
best advice we can. And the objective for staff will continue to be to maintain and improve our capacity to serve 
the Government and the public interest.
I am committed to ensuring the Department is fully effective and trusted in carrying out its role. This plan will 
help equip us to remain the Government’s principal source of policy advice on the environment.
Dr Gordon de Brouwer 
Secretary 
Department of the Environment
4 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Introduction
The Department acknowledges 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.
Introduction
The Department of the Environment’s Corporate Plan 2015–16 meets the statutory requirements under 
paragraph 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
This plan includes our purposes and activities for 2015–16 and what we want to achieve over the four year 
planning period, 2015–16 to 2018–19. The plan will be updated annually in accordance with the Public 
Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014.
The Department of the Environment designs and implements the Australian Government’s policies and 
programmes, and administers national laws, to protect and conserve the environment and heritage, promote 
action on climate change, advance Australia’s interests in the Antarctic, and improve our water use efficiency and 
the health of Australia’s river systems.
The Department of the Environment is the lead agency for the Australian Government’s Environment Portfolio 
which includes seven other entities. The portfolio provides separate corporate plans for the following:
Bureau of Meteorology
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Clean Energy Regulator
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
Climate Change Authority
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Director of National Parks
Role
The role of the Department of the Environment is to advise on and implement environment policy to support 
the Government in achieving a healthy environment, strong economy and thriving community now and for 
the future.
Our people
The contribution, diversity and expertise of our people are highly valued. They:
• provide advice that is rigorous, evidence based and explores all the relevant options
• are resilient and embrace and adapt to change
• show sound judgment, common sense and the ability to think strategically
• display energy, enthusiasm and initiative
• have strong people skills and a team focussed approach
• demonstrate excellent presentation and communication skills
• reflect and embrace the diversity of the Australian community.
5

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Operational context
Operational context
Australia and its territories are rich in unique plants and animals. More than 90 per cent of our plants and 80 
per cent of our mammals occur nowhere else on earth. These plants and animals live in diverse landscapes, from 
our ice-bound Antarctic territory to the central-Australian deserts and tropical rainforests in the north. Our 
environment is central to Australia’s identity. Places, plants and animals are culturally significant to Indigenous 
peoples, important to the health of our environment and a strong contributor to our economy and sense of 
society. Managing these places, plants and animals is everyone’s responsibility—it is shared across the three levels 
of government and with the community and business. 
The Department supports the Government in ensuring the underlying environmental value of Australia’s natural 
assets is preserved for current and future generations. The Department seeks to do this in a manner that maintains 
and enhances the economic and social values of our natural resources.
The Department plays an important role in sustaining a healthy environment. We are responsible for a complex 
and diverse range of issues. 
We run significant operations such as the Commonwealth’s national parks and reserve estate, and the Australian 
Antarctic programme. 
We administer environmental regulations covering wildlife trade, pollution standards and the assessment of 
development proposals that affect matters of national environmental significance. 
We advise on policies such as renewable energy and domestic climate change, the sustainable use and 
management of water resources, and relevant international treaties and associated obligations. 
We inform communities through reporting on the state of the environment and the monitoring and categorising 
of endangered species and ecological communities. 
And we implement the Government’s on-the-ground programmes to protect and conserve the environment.
The Department’s work over the coming years will be shaped by some important trends; for example, climate 
change, economic trends, new technologies and increasing devolution of government functions will shape the way 
the Department does its job.
6 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Purposes
Purposes
The Department delivers major Government initiatives to promote the conservation and sustainable use of 
Australia’s natural resources. These initiatives deliver real outcomes for local people and local places across four 
purpose areas: environment and heritage, climate change, Antarctica and water.
Each of the Department’s purposes is pursued through a set of significant activities. Measuring success against 
the objectives of these activities will demonstrate the Department’s achievement of its purposes. The Appendix A 
includes the full scope of the Department’s performance information to be reported on in the 2015–16 Annual 
Performance Statement. 
The Department’s purposes and activities structure
To advise on and implement environment policy to support the Government in achieving a healthy 
Role
environment, strong economy and thriving community now and for the future
Environment 
Climate change
Antarctica
Water
and heritage
Develop and 
Advance Australia’s 
Improve water use 
Conserve, protect and 
implement a 
strategic, scientific 
efficiency and the 
sustainably manage 
national response 
and environmental 
health of rivers 
oses
Australia’s terrestrial 
to climate change
interests in 
and freshwater  
Purp
and marine biodiversity, 
the Antarctic
ecosystems
threatened species, 
ecosystems, environment 
and heritage
Sustainable management 
Reduce Australia’s 
of natural resources
greenhouse gas 
Water reforms 
Antarctic science 
emissions and 
and environmental  
and presence
ctivities
A
Environment and 
support adaptation 
watering
heritage regulation
to climate change
Environmental science and research
tivities
Corporate support
Enabling ac
7

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Purposes—Environment and heritage
Environment and heritage
Purpose
Conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity, 
threatened species, ecosystems, environment and heritage
Activities
Sustainable management of natural resources
Environment and heritage regulation
Sustainable management of natural resources
Australia is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, with many species unique to Australia. 
Between 7 and 10 per cent of all species on earth occur in Australia. But a wide range of Australia’s species and 
ecological communities are showing a decline in population sizes, geographic range and genetic diversity. 
The Department encourages communities, business and governments to sustainably manage Australia’s natural 
resources to: improve the extent, condition and connectivity of Australia’s natural assets, mitigate key threats 
to threatened species and ecological communities, protect the Great Barrier Reef, and increase community 
engagement in environmental management.
Under this activity, the Department delivers a range of on-ground initiatives to address threats to our places, 
plants and animals. For example, the Threatened Species Commissioner is actively working to conserve Australia’s 
threatened species by tackling threats such as predation by feral cats. National Landcare, 20 Million Trees and 
other programmes engage local people to rehabilitate degraded landscapes for the benefit of native plants and 
animals, and personal enjoyment and well being.
Australia’s commitment to protect and conserve the Great Barrier Reef is a focus for the Department. The Reef 
is of great intrinsic value. A healthy Great Barrier Reef provides significant environmental benefits which also 
support local communities and increase economic dividends. It is estimated that the contribution of the Great 
Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to the Australian economy in 2011–12 was $5.68 billion, generating almost 
69,000 full-time jobs. 
The Department leads the protection and sustainable management of the Reef through implementing the Reef 
2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan and the Reef Trust. Over 2015–16, the Department will build on past 
successes by enabling practical actions to improve water quality, restore coastal ecosystem health and enhance 
species protection.
The Department promotes community awareness of the value and importance of Australia’s environment by 
supporting community participation in local environmental management. Programmes like the Green Army help 
local communities to deliver national environmental outcomes and support Australia’s national objectives and 
international environmental obligations.
We actively engage Indigenous people in these programmes to support them connect with their country, identity 
and culture. For example, we are working closely with Traditional Owners to restore habitat at a number of 
environmentally and culturally significant sites within the Girringun region. These sites are important wetland 
systems and coastal foreshores which connect with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They are also used as 
corridors by endangered species such as the Southern Cassowary and the endemic Mahogany Glider.
8 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 Purposes—Environment and heritage
Objectives
Measures of success
Improve the extent, condition 
• Increase in extent and connectivity of vegetation communities in 
and connectivity of Australia’s 
project areas.1 
natural resources to support 
• By June 2018, the number of natural resource management projects 
sustainable use, provide habitat 
demonstrating maintenance or improvement in the condition of targeted 
for national threatened species 
threatened species habitat. 
and protect natural assets.
• By June 2018, the increase in area of land on which farmers have adopted 
better management practices to improve their long term yield.
• By June 2018, the increase in area of land managed to reduce threats to 
nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities.2 
• Area of revegetation, restoration and management of invasive species 
undertaken through natural resource management projects.3
Mitigate key threats to 
• By 2020, reverse population decline in 20 mammal species.
nationally threatened species 
• Number of projects funded annually with focus on threatened 
and ecological communities.
species recovery. 
Protect and conserve the Great 
• By June 2018, improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef 
Barrier Reef.
from broad scale land use by reducing pollutant loads in priority areas, 
relative to 2008–09 baseline levels, by at least 50 per cent for anthropogenic 
dissolved inorganic nitrogen, 60 per cent for pesticides, and 20 per cent for 
anthropogenic sediment and particulate nitrogen.
• EPBC Act approved offset delivered under the Reef Trust 
maintain or improve the condition of matters of national and state 
environmental significance.
• The Reef maintains its diversity of species and ecological habitats with a 
stable to improving trend.
Encourage community 
• Increase in the level of participation, skill-development or employment 
participation in protecting and 
of young people, and Indigenous Australians, through natural resource 
conserving Australia’s nationally 
management projects.4
protected environment 
and heritage.
Financial year
2014–15  2015–16 2016–17 2017–18  2018–19
Green Army  
250
500
750
1000
1500
projects commenced
Green Army  
2500
5000
7500
10,000
15,000
participants engaged
Improve the extent, condition 
• Increase in extent of native vegetation in project areas.
and connectivity of native 
• By June 2018, the number of natural resource management projects 
vegetation to provide key 
demonstrating maintenance or improvement in the condition of targeted 
habitat for nationally 
threatened species habitat.
threatened species and 
• By July 2018, the increase in area of land managed to reduce threats to 
ecological communities and 
nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities.
sequester carbon.
• Amount of carbon that has been sequestered through project investments.
(Projects relating to 
PBS Programme 1.3: 
Land Sector Initiatives)
1  For projects reporting through the online Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Information Tool (MERIT).
2  For projects reporting through MERIT.
3  For projects reporting through MERIT.
4  For projects reporting through MERIT.
9

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Purposes—Environment and heritage
Environment and heritage regulation
The Department administers regulations to maintain and improve outcomes for Australia’s environment, 
heritage and human health while seeking to reduce red tape for business, individuals and community 
organisations. The Department plays a central role in managing the impacts of development on the environment 
through efficient and effective regulation.
Our regulatory responsibilities include national legislation covering environment and heritage protection, 
biodiversity conservation, product stewardship and hazardous substance management. In administering 
legislation, we work with communities, business and governments to achieve the best available outcome. 
Accreditation of Mobile Muster under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 is an example of the community, business 
and government working together to deliver a voluntary initiative to keep mobile phones out of landfill.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Commonwealth’s central 
piece of environment legislation. The Act provides the legal framework for the Department to protect and manage 
Australia’s threatened species and ecological communities, whales and dolphins, internationally traded wildlife, 
heritage places (World, National and Commonwealth), Commonwealth national parks and other protected 
terrestrial and marine areas.
Environmental regulation should not impose unnecessary costs on businesses, individuals or community 
organisations. We are working closely with the states and territories to implement the ‘one-stop shop’ reforms. 
Where implemented, these reforms have been successful in streamlining assessment and approval arrangements 
under the EPBC Act to ensure swifter decisions and more certainty for Australian communities and businesses. 
These reforms continue to deliver the high environmental standards set by the EPBC Act. States and territories 
are increasingly aligning their legislation and processes with EPBC Act standards. For example, New South Wales’ 
Biodiversity Offsets Policy for Major Projects requires ‘like-for-like’ offsets for species listed under the EPBC Act, 
and that 90 per cent of these offsets are ‘direct’ and deliver quantifiable, on-ground conservation benefits. 
Similarly, all states and territories with a draft approval agreement have committed to the principles of open access 
to information. This makes the information discoverable, accessible and reusable, and provides better information 
for decision-making and accountability.
We are improving regulatory mechanisms through the use of risk-based approaches. For example, in July 2014 
the Department introduced the National Environmental Significance Threat and Risk Assessment tool. This tool 
allows us to focus our compliance monitoring on projects that pose the greatest risk to the environment. This has 
the effect of reducing red tape on projects that are low risk or on people who consistently do the right thing.
The Department’s actions to protect and conserve the environment and heritage extend beyond Australia to our 
immediate region through important partnerships such as the Kokoda Initiative, the Coral Triangle Initiative 
and support for sustainable marine management by Pacific nations. By supporting protected area management, 
Australia ensures that exceptional natural, cultural and historic sites within our region are sustainably managed 
and conserved.
The Department controls the impact of wastes and hazardous substances to improve the quality of the 
environment and human health. Many of these substances have the potential to harm human health and 
the environment. We control their impact by administering legislation and meeting Australia’s international 
obligations under relevant treaties. 
Scientific research conducted under the enabling activity, environmental science and research, underpins our 
regulation. These activities provide the community with confidence that decisions are evidence based.
10 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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link to page 11 link to page 11 Purposes—Environment and heritage
Objectives
Measures of success
Identify, conserve and protect 
• Documentation published under the EPBC Act on significant natural, 
nationally significant natural, 
Indigenous and historic heritage places supports their protection 
Indigenous and historic 
and management.
heritage places.
• All Australian property included on the list of World Heritage is 
well managed.
• Australian support through the Kokoda Initiative enables the track to remain 
open and safe during the trekking season. 
• Australia’s objectives for engagement in international forums on heritage, 
wildlife, the marine environment and biodiversity are achieved. 
Protect and conserve 
• Current and comprehensive lists of threatened species, threatened ecological 
Australia’s threatened species, 
communities and migratory species are maintained and supported by plans 
ecological communities and 
and other information to guide protection and recovery.
migratory species.
• Species and ecological communities assessed for inclusion, or removal from, 
national threatened lists within statutory deadlines.
• Guidance documents (including plans, conservation advices, information 
guides and Species Profile and Threats database profiles) published for listed 
species and ecological communities to support regulation and management.
• Public access and use of the Species Profile and Threats (SPRAT) database, 
as indicated by the average monthly number of unique page views of the 
SPRAT website, continues above 40,000 views.
Protect internationally 
• Wildlife trade (imports and exports) is regulated in accordance with the 
traded flora and fauna 
requirements of Part 13A of the EPBC Act, and commercial fisheries in 
consistent with national and 
accordance with Parts 10, 13 and 13A of the EPBC Act.
international obligations.
• Australia’s objectives for engagement in international forums on heritage, 
wildlife, the marine environment and biodiversity are achieved.
Ensure sustainable development  • The number of hectares of habitat protected by offsets5 compared with the 
outcomes by regulating 
area impacted6 for approved projects.
impacts on matters of national 
• The number and area of strategic assessments completed has increased:
environmental significance.
 
– in 2015–16, the number of strategic assessments completed
 
– km2 / ha already approved under strategic assessments.
• Estimated number of projects that did not require referral to the Department 
as these projects are able to assessed under an approved Strategic Assessment.
5  Location data available is only for those offsets that have been secured, noting there is often a lag once an offset has been approved as a 
condition to the actual securing of the offset. This dataset will mature over time and is indicative only.
6  Location data from the referral documentation captures the maximum extent of the impact, and not the development footprint.
11

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link to page 12 Purposes—Environment and heritage
Objectives
Measures of success
Protect the Alligator Rivers 
• Ensure the concentration of uranium in surface water downstream of Ranger 
Region from the impacts of 
Mine remains less than six micrograms per litre.
uranium mining.
• Annual research and monitoring programmes are scientifically rigorous, 
(This also supports the 
appropriately targeted to key knowledge needs and independently endorsed 
Department’s environmental 
by the Alligator Rivers Technical Committee.
science and research activity.)
Protect the environment 
• 98 per cent of the population provided with access to television and 
through national approaches 
computer recycling services:
to appropriately manage wastes 
 
– in 2015–16, 50 per cent of total television and computer waste is 
and hazardous substances.
recycled nationally7
 
– 90 per cent of recycled materials are recovered for reuse.
• In 2015, annual imports of ozone depleting substances do not exceed 
28 Ozone Depleting Potential tonnes.
• Collaboration with government, industry and the community through 
national approaches results in increased recycling and a reduction in waste 
and hazardous substances released into the environment.
• 250 megalitres of used oil recovered for re-use annually over a three year 
average under the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000.
7  The target has been updated to reflect a policy decision taken after the publication of the 2015–16 PBS.
12 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Purposes—Climate change
Climate change
Purpose
Develop and implement a national response to climate change
Activity
Reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and support adaptation to climate change
Reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and support adaptation to 
climate change
Australia is a hot, dry continent with a naturally variable climate. Climate change could increase this variability. 
Leading scientists advise climate change has altered Australia’s climate. Air and sea temperatures have increased. 
Rainfall patterns have shifted. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is changing. Shifts in global 
weather are leading to ocean acidification and rising sea levels. Together, these changes will place Australia’s 
biodiversity, agriculture, infrastructure, water security and coastal communities at risk. Responding to the impacts 
of climate change will be a challenge for all Australians.
The Department supports the Government to develop and implement a national response to climate change 
that is built on science and the need for a global effort to reduce emissions. This activity centres on three 
objectives: reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, contribute towards an effective global solution and adapt 
to climate change impacts. The Department takes a holistic approach to policy development and brings together 
environmental, economic and social information to deliver effective action on climate change.
This activity delivers the Government’s centrepiece programme—the Emissions Reduction Fund. The Fund 
provides positive incentives to businesses and others across the economy to reduce emissions. Baselines will be set 
for large facilities to prevent unacceptable increases in emissions while accommodating economic growth. Projects 
established under the Fund build on the former Carbon Farming Initiative. 
The Department’s activity to reduce emissions and support adaptation to the impacts of climate change 
encourages business and communities to innovate and transform. It provides a long term framework for stable 
and sustainable climate change policy and will help meet Australia’s target of reducing emissions by 5 per cent 
below 2000 levels by 2020.
The Department provides policy advice for, and supports implementation of, the Renewable Energy Target Scheme 
which is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator. The Renewable Energy Target, now set at 23.5 per cent by 2020, 
reduces the emissions-intensity of our electricity supply and contributes to Australia’s emission reduction target. 
Climate change is a significant international issue. The Department contributes to a global solution to climate change, 
and supports Australia’s reporting and negotiation efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on 
Climate Change. In 2014, the Department supported the Minister in hosting the Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit. 
The Summit was one aspect of our engagement with Asia-Pacific countries on protecting rainforests, which are 
important for mitigating climate change impacts as they capture and store millions of tonnes of carbon.
The Department supports research and produces practical information and tools for business, governments and 
communities to help them identify climate change impacts and appropriate actions relevant to them. For example, 
we are working with the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility to develop a coastal climate risk 
management tool that will provide local governments and communities in the coastal zone with the skills, information 
and tools to support effective decision making. We publish methodologies that support Australian businesses and 
households to take practical, direct action to improve energy efficiency and save money on their electricity bills. 
The Department’s climate adaptation work links closely with the enabling activity environmental science and 
research. This work improves our understanding of climate change and promotes informed decision making.
13

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Purposes—Climate change
Objectives
Measures of success
Meet Australia’s greenhouse gas 
• Australia’s annual emissions are consistent with meeting the Government’s 
emissions reduction targets.
2020 target to reduce emissions by 5 per cent based on 2000 levels.
• Percentage of national emissions covered by Emissions Reduction 
Fund methods.
• Increase in the number of Australian carbon credit units issued.
• Compliance with Emissions Reduction Fund safeguard mechanism—
covered facilities do not exceed safeguard mechanism baselines.
• The uptake of additional renewable energy is encouraged and the 
Renewable Energy Target of 23.5 per cent by 2020 is achieved.
Contribute to the negotiation 
• Key countries and civil society organisations from across the region commit 
of an effective global solution to 
to a collective plan to slow, halt and then reverse the loss of tropical 
climate change.
rainforests across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Increase in the number of countries using Global Forest Observations 
Initiative tools.
Improve understanding of 
• By 30 June 2017, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
climate change impacts and 
National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility programme will 
inform decision making.
report on:
(This also supports the 
 
– the number of end-users engaged in the design of a coastal risk 
Department’s environmental 
management tool
science and research activity.)
 
– the number of coastal communities using information and tools from the 
project to inform local policy and plans
 
– the degree of awareness among relevant government agencies, coastal 
councils and business and industry groups of National Climate Change 
Adaptation Research Facility Phase 2 outputs, and
 
– the extent to which the risk management tool is aligned with state and 
territory government initiatives in climate change adaptation in the 
coastal zone.
• Information on climate change projections and adaptation approaches is well 
targeted to the needs of regional natural resource management organisations 
and other decision-makers.
14 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Purposes—Antarctica
Antarctica
Purpose
Advance Australia’s strategic, scientific and environmental interests in the Antarctic
Activity
Antarctic science and presence
Antarctic science and presence
With an average annual temperature well below zero and violent snowstorms lasting for days, Antarctica is one of 
the harshest environments on the planet. It is also one of the most beautiful and vulnerable. 
Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean are key drivers of the planet’s oceanic and atmospheric systems. 
With its frozen landscapes, the Antarctic environment provides a valuable benchmark for, and source of 
information on, weather and climate change. 
The Department has four key objectives under this activity: conduct and facilitate scientific research, protect the 
Antarctic environment, preserve Australia’s presence and sovereignty in the Australian Antarctic Territory, and 
contribute to Antarctica’s freedom from strategic and political confrontation.
The Department is coordinating the Government’s 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategy, to be released in 
2015–16. The Strategy will provide guidance to protect and advance Australia’s Antarctic interests over the next 
20 years and lay the foundation for the Government’s future role in Antarctica.
The Department is an active participant in the Antarctic Treaty system which incorporates the Antarctic 
Treaty, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and the Agreement on the 
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. The Antarctic Treaty establishes Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted 
to peace and science. Australia was one of the 12 original signatories to the Treaty in 1959. By supporting and 
engaging in the Treaty system, the Department significantly contributes to the stability and environmental 
protection of the Antarctic and delivers a leading science programme.
The Department pursues relationships of mutual benefit with nations active in eastern Antarctica and other 
bilateral partners in the Antarctic in order to achieve policy, scientific and environmental goals. In 2014, Australia 
signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Antarctic Cooperation with China to reaffirm a long tradition of 
collaboration in Antarctic diplomacy, science, logistics and operations. 
The Department maintains a strong presence in the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Southern Ocean, and 
in the Southern Ocean sub-Antarctic regions including the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands and 
Macquarie Island and their adjacent waters. The main component of this is the Department’s coordination and 
logistical management of Australia’s Antarctic programme, including maintenance of permanent stations, field 
support, transport, communication and medical services. Australia’s icebreaker, the Aurora Australis, is reaching 
the end of its service. We will be procuring a new icebreaker to maintain Australia’s presence and scientific 
leadership in the Antarctic.
Australia has been conducting scientific research in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean for over 
100 years. Today, our diverse research programme covers physical and life sciences in the atmospheric, terrestrial 
and marine domains, as well as human biology and medical research. It is responsible for long term observational 
activities including: a network of meteorological facilities; ionospheric activity monitoring; seismic, magnetic and 
GPS networks; and hydrographic and seafloor mapping.
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link to page 16 Purposes—Antarctica
Through research grants and logistical support, the Department continues to be a primary source of Australian 
Antarctic information. Antarctic scientists supported through this activity are leaders in climate trend research 
and modelling climate scenarios. Recently, the Department led an international exercise to drill a 300 metre ice 
core in remote Antarctica. The core will provide an annual climate record for the past 2000 years. This work paves 
the way for a future expedition to collect a one million year old ice core, which will help us further understand 
the influences on changing weather patterns and climate.
The Department’s work in the Antarctic supports delivery of the Department’s other purposes as reflected through 
the enabling activity environmental science and research.
Objectives
Measures of success
Conduct scientific research in 
• Scientific research conducted in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is 
Antarctica and the Southern 
internationally recognised, as indicated by:
Ocean that supports national 
 
– the number of scientific papers published in peer reviewed journals and/or 
policy and environmental 
submitted to key international forums in the previous calendar year, and
management priorities.
 
– the number of international institutions collaborating in the Australian 
(This also supports the 
Antarctic programme during the financial year.
Department’s environmental 
• Deliver high priority Australian Antarctic scientific research in accordance with 
science and research activity.)
the goals of the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2020–21.
• 80 scientists active in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean 
annually over the forward estimates.
Preserving our presence in and 
• Administer the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard 
sovereignty over the Australian 
Island and McDonald Islands, including the authorisation and management 
Antarctic Territory and 
of Australian activities in accordance with relevant legislation and 
offshore areas.8
environmental protection measures.
• Finalise the evaluation of the request for tender for the replacement of 
Australian Antarctic programme icebreaker and submit for final approval.
• Coordinate the Government’s 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.
• Maintain three stations in the Australian Antarctic Territory (Casey, Davis 
and Mawson) and one station in the sub-Antarctic (Macquarie Island).
• 180 shipping days annually in support of Australia’s Antarctic programme 
over the forward estimates.
• 400 expeditioners transported annually to Australia’s Antarctic and 
sub-Antarctic stations (average round trips) over the forward estimates.
• 15 flights annually between Hobart and Antarctica over the 
forward estimates.
Protecting the Antarctic and the  • Protect the Antarctic environment and undertake work of practical, 
Southern Ocean environment.
economic and international significance including compliance with 
Australian Antarctic environmental legislation.
Contribute to maintaining 
• Exercise enhanced Australian influence in the Antarctic Treaty system, 
Antarctica’s freedom 
including through participation in its various forums, as measured by 
from strategic and/or 
the extent to which Australia’s objectives are achieved and the number of 
political confrontation.
senior positions (for example, Chair or vice-Chair) held by Australia during 
the financial year.
8  This objective has been updated from the 2015–16 PBS. 
16 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Purposes—Water
Water
Purpose
Improve water use efficiency and the health of rivers and freshwater ecosystems
Activity
Water reforms and environmental watering
Water reforms and environmental watering
Australia faces major challenges to access water sustainably in the face of a drying climate and rising demand for 
water. Many ongoing impacts on Australia’s inland water environments are legacies of historical land use, pest and 
weed introduction, and development of our water resources for social and economic activities. In most southern 
regions, inland water resources have changed substantially since European settlement, significantly affecting 
local environments and causing declines in many native species populations. We are working with communities, 
business and other governments to address these impacts by minimising unsustainable water use and returning 
water to the environment.
This activity focuses on four objectives: improve the health and protection of environmental assets in the Murray 
Darling Basin, ensure sustainable use of water resources, protect wetlands, and improve our understanding of the 
impacts of coal seam gas and coal mining on water resources.
The Murray Darling Basin Plan is a map to protect local places, plants and animals, and restore the river system 
to health while ensuring long term productivity of the Basin’s irrigation industries and communities. A whole 
of cycle approach to implementing the Basin Plan has been achieved by bringing together the water reform 
initiatives of the Department with environmental watering conducted by the Commonwealth Environmental 
Water Holder.
The success of this approach saw record numbers of a nationally endangered fish, the Murray Hardyhead, counted 
in February 2015. This and other native fish are essential for healthy Basin rivers. The Department has embarked 
on a five year study to examine the contribution of environmental watering to the environmental objectives of the 
Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Water reform in the Murray Darling Basin prioritises environmental water recovery through investment in 
irrigation infrastructure. Application of the 1500 gigalitre (average annual yield) cap on purchasing surface water 
and continued support for initiatives led by Basin states are also priorities. Ongoing implementation of the Basin 
Plan will see increased economic returns for local communities and benefits for local environments.
We assist communities, irrigators and businesses to use water resources sustainably across Australia through 
initiatives such as the second tranche of Tasmanian irrigation projects. These projects are expected to deliver 
around 40 gigalitres of water to landholders and communities in regional Tasmania. 
The Department is working with state agencies to deliver phase four of the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability 
Initiative programme. This will build on the past success of the programme which, to June 2013, saw 650 bores 
capped and more than 19,000 kilometres of open bore drains eliminated, saving around 200,000 megalitres of 
water each year.
The Department protects and conserves the health of wetlands and freshwater ecosystems by building community 
awareness of their importance, for example through the annual celebration of World Wetlands Day (2 February), 
and through targeted actions by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder. This work ensures Australia 
meets its international and national obligations under the Ramsar Convention and the EPBC Act. It highlights 
the integrated nature of the Department’s work, in this case the close links between the water reforms and 
environmental watering and environment and heritage regulation activities. 
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Purposes—Water
We are working with other Government agencies to address community concerns about the potential water 
related risks from coal seam gas and large coal mining developments. We are doing this by conducting Bioregional 
Assessments and targeted research to identify and address critical gaps in our knowledge base. The assessments 
cover six bioregions—Lake Eyre Basin, Northern Inland Catchments, Clarence-Moreton, Northern Sydney Basin, 
Sydney Basin, and Gippsland Basin—and will provide a single authoritative source for water related impacts of 
potential coal seam gas and coal mining developments. From late 2015, communities and industry will have 
open access to the Bioregional Assessments, and supporting data, through a new interactive portal. This work is 
supported by the enabling activity environmental science and research.
Objectives
Measures of success
Improve the environmental 
• Continued water recovery towards bridging the gap from contracted 
health of the Murray-Darling 
infrastructure projects, water purchases and state activities, consistent with 
Basin consistent with national 
the Water Recovery Strategy and Government commitment to cap water 
and international obligations 
purchase at 1500 gigalitres (average annual yield).
by recovering water, including 
• By 30 June 2016, Basin governments agree a package of constraints 
by prioritising water-saving 
measures, and agree on a notification to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority 
infrastructure projects.
on the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism.
• On-farm irrigation infrastructure investments in the Murray-Darling Basin 
deliver water efficiency benefits to irrigated agriculture.
Help communities, irrigators 
• Great Artesian Basin jurisdictions agree on a new strategic management plan 
and businesses to use water 
which guides the future management of the Great Artesian Basin resource.
resources sustainably and 
• In 2015–16, achieve a domestic water saving of at least 100,000 megalitres 
efficiently, consistent with 
through the effective implementation of national water efficiency 
nationally agreed water reforms. 
labeling and standards which support households in choosing more 
water-efficient products.
Improve the knowledge of, and 
• During 2015–16, scientific products on the impacts of coal seam gas and 
inform decision making on, the 
coal mining development on water resources and advice provided by the 
impacts of coal seam gas and 
Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal 
coal mining development on 
Mining Development are used by decision makers.
water resources.
(This also supports the 
Department’s environmental 
science and research activity.)
Protect and conserve the health 
• Ensure Australia meets its obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
of wetlands and freshwater 
ecosystems consistent with 
international obligations.
Protect and restore 
• Intervention monitoring demonstrates that Commonwealth environmental 
environmental assets in 
water has contributed to the environmental objectives of the Murray-Darling 
the Murray-Darling Basin 
Basin Plan including for water quality, ecosystem resilience and function, 
through the management 
species diversity and populations of water dependent vegetation, fish and 
and use of Commonwealth 
waterbirds at selected monitoring sites.
environmental water.
• The extent to which local knowledge and solutions inform the 
implementation of environmental watering.
18 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Purposes—Enabling activities
Enabling activities
Activities
Environmental science and research
Corporate support
The Department’s enabling activities, environmental science and research and corporate support, reflect the 
importance of evidence based policy and organisational efficiency to the delivery of the Department’s purposes.
Strong policy capability is required to respond to the priorities of Government and for the Department to 
strengthen its role as the Government’s primary advisor on the environment. Our capability is underpinned by 
a process that transparently uses rigorous and tested evidence in the design, implementation and refinement 
of policy.
In July 2014, the Department brought together its science, economics, policy implementation and corporate 
functions within the Office of Environmental Science and Economics under the leadership of a deputy secretary. 
The aims of this amalgamation were to improve the Department’s policy and analytical capacity, create a flexible 
workplace and deliver world-class biodiversity, water and climate science. 
Environmental science and research
The Department’s environmental science and research contributes to the delivery of all four of the Department’s 
purposes in the priority areas of environment and heritage, climate change, Antarctica and water, and ensures 
that decisions concerning Australia’s environment are based on the best available information.
The Department’s science functions are diverse and range from programmes that fund specialised external research 
collaboration to directly employing scientists. For example, the National Environmental Science Programme 
funds six research hubs to work on identified priority areas: clean air and urban landscapes, earth systems and 
climate change, marine biodiversity, northern Australia environmental resources, threatened species recovery and 
tropical water quality. This research informs decision makers, within and outside the Department.
Decision making under the environment and heritage regulation activity is directly supported by research into 
impacts on matters of national environmental significance. The Department works to protect the Alligator 
Rivers Region environment, including Kakadu National Park, from uranium mining related impacts, and 
advises on regulation of nuclear actions throughout Australia. We lead the Government’s initiatives to strengthen 
the science underpinning regulatory decisions on the water-related impacts of coal seam gas and large coal 
mining developments.
Climate science is relevant to many aspects of the Department’s work and is delivered through the Antarctic science 
and presence activity, the Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub within the National Environmental Science 
Programme, and independent scientists funded to improve understanding of climate change impacts.
Improved national data collection and use of alternative data sources are crucial for better decision making. 
The Department is addressing this by continuing to improve consistency in collection and management of 
environmental information. We are using this information to provide environmental and spatial information 
products, advice, analysis and tools. Our goal is to improve accessibility to, and use of, our information by 
communities, business and governments. The preparation of the 2016 State of the Environment Report is one 
example of our efforts to make environmental information more readily accessible. 
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Purposes—Enabling activities
Objectives
Measures of success
Improve understanding of 
• Increase in the number of environmental datasets which are openly accessible 
Australia’s environment and 
and available on the internet and follow guidance provided under the 
inform environmental decision 
National Plan for Environmental Information initiative. 
making through collaborative 
• Qualitative assessment shows that Departmental staff, state governments, 
research and enhanced 
business, community groups and others are using research outputs from the 
discovery, access and use of 
National Environmental Science Programme to inform management and 
environmental information.
policy development.
• Qualitative assessment shows that Departmental staff, state governments, 
business, community groups and others are using data on measures of key 
aspects of the environment to inform policy development and environmental 
decision making.
• Qualitative assessment shows that Departmental staff, state governments, 
business, community groups and others are using the 2016 State of the 
Environment report to inform policy development and environmental 
decision making.
Protect the Alligator Rivers 
• Ensure the concentration of uranium in surface water downstream of Ranger 
Region from the impacts of 
Mine remains less than six micrograms per litre.
uranium mining.
• Annual research and monitoring programmes are scientifically rigorous, 
(Measures of success repeated 
appropriately targeted to key knowledge needs and independently endorsed 
due to support for environment 
by the Alligator Rivers Technical Committee.
and heritage regulation activity.)
Improve understanding of 
• By 30 June 2017, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
climate change impacts and 
National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility programme will 
inform decision making.
report on:
(Measures of success repeated 
 
– the number of end-users engaged in the design of a coastal risk 
due to support for implement 
management tool
a national approach to climate 
 
– the number of coastal communities using the information and tools from 
change activity)
the project to inform local policy and plans
 
– the degree of awareness among relevant government agencies, coastal 
councils and business and industry groups of National Climate Change 
Adaptation Research Facility Phase 2 outputs, and
 
– the extent to which the risk management tool is aligned with state and 
territory government initiatives in climate change adaptation in the 
coastal zone.
• Information on climate change projections and adaptation approaches 
is welltargeted to the needs of regional natural resource management 
organisations and other decision-makers.
20 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Purposes—Enabling activities
Objectives
Measures of success
Conduct scientific research in 
• Scientific research conducted in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is 
Antarctica and the Southern 
internationally recognised, as indicated by:
Ocean that supports national 
 
– the number of scientific papers published in peer reviewed journals 
policy and environmental 
and /or submitted to key international forums in the previous calendar 
management priorities.
year, and
(Measures of success repeated 
 
– the number of international institutions collaborating in the Australian 
due to support for Antarctic 
Antarctic programme during the financial year.
science and presence activity.)
• Deliver high priority Australian Antarctic scientific research in accordance 
with the goals of the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan 2011–12 
to 2020–21.
• 80 scientists active in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean 
annually over the forward estimates.
Improve the knowledge of, and 
• During 2015–16, scientific products on the impacts of coal seam gas and 
inform decision making on, the 
coal mining development on water resources and advice provided by the 
impacts of coal seam gas and 
Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal 
coal mining development on 
Mining Development are used by decision makers.
water resources.
(Measures of success repeated 
due to support for water 
reforms and environmental 
watering activity.)
Corporate support
We aim to be regarded as a leading agency in financial, programme and regulation management. We do this by 
focusing on three objectives: improve the Department’s capacity to serve the Government by strengthening our 
capabilities and serving the needs of the Department and Ministers; contribute to the Government’s deregulation 
agenda; and contribute to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage. The inclusion of corporate support as one 
of the Department’s core enabling activities reflects the importance of this function to achieving the Department’s 
purposes, and its cross cutting nature which supports all elements of the Department’s work.
The Department is committed to strengthening its capacity to serve the Government and has implemented 
measures to improve its policy, analytical and workforce capability. These include: enhancing scientific, economic 
and social input into policy analysis; improving community and business engagement in policy development and 
implementation; best practice policy implementation and risk management; and creating a flexible workplace 
which promotes learning and development.
Through the deregulation agenda, the Department is working to reduce unnecessary red tape placed on 
individuals, community groups and businesses. The Government’s commitment to minimising red tape presents 
an opportunity to consider the use of alternative policy instruments to deliver environmental outcomes.
A diverse workforce supports better capability. As one element of encouraging diversity, the Department supports 
the recruitment, retention, capability and career development of Indigenous employees and addresses the need 
for a supportive and culturally inclusive work environment through its Indigenous Employment and Capability 
Strategy. This Strategy is currently being updated to strengthen the Department’s performance in recruiting 
and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. The Department’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2013–15 
strengthens this approach by supporting staff cultural awareness, encouraging practical steps such as Indigenous 
procurement, and enhancing the accessibility of our programmes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
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link to page 22 link to page 22 Purposes—Enabling activities
Objectives
Measures of success
Improve the Department’s 
• Reduction in Comcare premiums arising from Department wide consistency 
capacity to serve the 
in case management and engagement with Early Intervention Programme.
Government by strengthening 
• Staff engagement with the Department as measured by proportion of staff 
capability and serving the 
who rate their experience working for the Department as ‘good’ or above in 
needs of the Department 
the APS Census.
and Ministers.
• Number of Australian National Audit Office financial statements audit 
findings of the Department that are rated as A, B and C.9
• Number of externally reportable financial breaches.
• Percentage of payments made within 30 days of receipt of goods / services on 
a correctly rendered invoice.
• Number of contracts entered into with small and medium enterprises.
• Proportion of ongoing staff from a non-English-speaking background by level 
and location.
• Gender balance for ongoing staff by level and location.
• Reduction in number and duration of Datacom and Macquarie Telecom 
system / user issues, to improve stability and performance of Information and 
Communication Technology systems in accordance with service agreements, 
from the levels recorded in 2014–15.
• Proportion of Datacom post access survey respondents who rate 
interaction with Datacom as ‘good’ or above to meet or exceed 80 per cent 
of respondents.
• Total (internal and external) legal spend for the Department.
• Total number of (direct and indirect) briefs to Counsel.
• Improvement in the proportion of departmental policy briefs achieving 
quality standards.
• Number and proportion of staff attending policy forums.
Contribute to Closing the Gap 
• By 2018, progress towards the Department’s commitment to achieving a 
on Indigenous disadvantage.
target of 4.5 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. 
• Proportion of staff who have completed training in Indigenous cultural 
awareness during the previous three years.
• Number of contracts entered into with Indigenous enterprises.
Contribute to the Government’s  Regulator Performance Indicators:10
deregulation agenda by 
• Regulators do not unnecessarily impede efficient operation of 
identifying opportunities for 
regulated entities.
deregulation and considering 
• Communication with regulated entities is clear, targeted and effective.
better practice regulatory design 
across the Department’s work, 
• Actions undertaken by regulators are proportionate to the regulatory risk 
and broader portfolio.
being managed.
• Compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and coordinated.
• Regulators are open and transparent in their dealings with regulated entities.
• Regulators actively contribute to the continuous improvement of 
regulatory frameworks.
9  The ANAO rates its audit findings according to a risk scale. Audit findings that pose a significant risk to the entity and that should be addressed 
as a matter of urgency, are rated as ‘A’. Findings that pose a moderate risk are rated as ‘B’ and should be addressed by entities within the next 
12 months. Findings that are procedural in nature, or reflect relatively minor administrative shortcomings, are rated as ‘C’. 
10  Performance against these indicators will be assessed in the Regulator Performance Framework.
22 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Capability
Capability
A skilled, motivated and flexible workforce is required to achieve our purposes. We identify and address future 
gaps in capability through workforce planning, leadership development and capability development.
The overarching direction for the Department’s workforce is set by a Strategic Workforce Plan. The plan is based on 
the best practice standard set out in the Australian Public Service Commission’s Workforce Planning Guide. The 
Strategic Workforce Plan, together with our Core Capability Framework, supports the development of our people. 
Our values and behaviours have been developed to help drive and underpin all of the Department’s work.
Our values
The Department is firmly committed to the Australian Public Service Values, Employment Principles and Code of 
Conduct in promoting a positive workplace culture. Our values align with those set out by the Australian Public 
Service Commission to be impartial, committed to service, accountable, respectful and ethical. We:
• strive for excellence in everything we do. We look for ways to improve our business taking into consideration 
experience and lessons learned
• seek the contribution of others and are generous in our exchange of ideas and information
• celebrate effort and success
• support learning, coaching and mentoring, and 
• value diversity and flexibility in our workplace and adhere to the standards expected of public servants by 
Government and the community. 
The way we operate
The Australian Public Service work level standards underpin the Department’s approach to the way we work and 
behave. We have an expectation staff will do their jobs in accordance with the APS work level standards. A review 
of staff responsibilities across the Department identified discrepancies between roles and work level standards. 
To address these, we have delegated decision making downwards, including revising financial delegation 
arrangements and increasing span of control for middle managers (EL1–SES Band 2). We will continue to review 
the application of the APS work level standards. 
We support staff to build their capabilities. We encourage staff to work towards their career goals while ensuring 
we continue to support the Government now and into the future. 
Leadership
Leadership works to motivate and inspire our people. We show judgement, provide advice and make 
decisions based on experience, evidence and expertise. 
Expertise and capability
As the premier source of advice on environment policy and implementation, our advice is 
multi-disciplinary, centred on science, economics and law.
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Capability
Consultation, communication and col aboration
The Department consults internally and externally to strengthen policy development, work practices and 
community engagement. The Department values open, multi-directional and regular communication. 
The Department works collaboratively across governments and with business, communities and 
non-government organisations. 
Learning and development
The Department cultivates and nurtures a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Respect and trust 
The Department is inclusive, transparent and accountable. The Department promotes a workplace of 
respect and trust. 
Innovation
The Department is innovative in its approach to work practices and the development and implementation 
of environmental policies. We are good at managing risk, including grasping opportunities when we see 
them. We are not afraid to take risks, as long as we have first thought through and tested the consequences 
with others.
Support
Diversity
The Department has a proud history of supporting a diverse workforce. We actively promote an inclusive 
workforce, including gender, religion, race, sexuality and disability. We are delivering a significant programme of 
work in this space under the Diversity Strategy 2013–17. The strategy sets out our objectives and initiatives that 
will help further embed diversity values in our organisational culture and in our business operations.
• Agency Multicultural Plan focuses on creating a baseline of understanding of our multicultural clients and 
stakeholders, and developing our organisational capability to better meet their needs.
• Disability Action Plan extends beyond our workplace to the consideration of disability in policy development 
and stakeholder engagement.
• Indigenous Employment and Capability Strategy strengthens the Department’s performance in recruiting and 
retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. A key priority for the next iteration of the Strategy will 
focus on improving the impact and overall effectiveness of capability and career development, and workplace 
support of Indigenous employees.
• Reconciliation Action Plan supports staff cultural awareness, practical steps such as Indigenous procurement, 
and the accessibility of our programmes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
24 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Capability
Learning and development
The Department’s commitment to building organisational effectiveness is set out in our Professional Development 
Framework. The framework encompasses a comprehensive suite of capability development and leadership 
programmes. These programmes support us to meet emerging business needs and priorities. They contribute to an 
organisational culture of strong leadership, collaboration, continuous learning and improvement so that we are an 
employer of choice.
Key activities help provide staff with career pathways and opportunities to develop their skills and 
professional capability:
• Excellence in Leadership and Management Programme provides practical assistance with performance 
management and increases the focus on management capability requirements. Those requirements include 
risk management and innovation, and managing change along with personal and team resilience and 
networking opportunities.
• Policy Forums further develop core policy skills and capability across the Department. The monthly 
programme presents a seminar, case study and master class on different policy topics presented by internal and 
external speakers.
Innovation
The Department is fostering a workplace where innovation is encouraged and celebrated. This 
includes implementing:
• Secretary’s Award for Innovation to recognise achievement in implementing innovation 
• Innovative Environment programme which is a suite of activities designed to support and develop innovation.
Regulatory Capability Development Programme
The Department’s Regulatory Capability Development Programme supports our capacity as an efficient, effective 
and trusted regulator. This programme ensures that our regulatory delivery will be consistent with better practice 
principles and contribute to our purposes and activities. Instituting a more thorough strategic intelligence 
function is essential for informing our risk assessment treatments and processes.
ICT
The Department’s Information and Communication Technologies Strategic Plan provides a foundation for ICT 
service delivery and a planning structure that guides technology investment. The plan considers external factors as 
well as key organisational priorities. External factors include the Government’s shared services agenda, cloud first 
policy and digital transformation agenda.
The ICT Strategic Plan is designed to support increased maturity across our core, enabling and business support 
capabilities and is underpinned by a long term ICT investment plan. Prioritisation of ICT investments is 
undertaken by the ICT Committee and is reviewed during the annual capital allocation process.
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Risk oversight and management
Risk oversight and management
As part of its governance, the Department has systems, processes and policies to ensure effective and efficient 
delivery of programmes and internal functions. Committees and processes provide the guidance for all staff to 
operate in line with legislative requirements and comply with the APS code of conduct.
The Department regularly reviews its governance and takes steps to improve on its existing strong foundations.
Managing risk is an essential part of our governance and critical to developing and improving our 
business capabilities.
The Department‘s risk management framework aims to:
• increase awareness of risk management across the Department
• improve understanding of our role and responsibilities to effectively manage risk 
• build capability in risk management, and
• shape positive attitudes towards risk management, including seeing risk as an opportunity to improve 
outcomes, that lead to long term and enduring cultural change.
The Executive Board and management give serious, regular and systematic consideration to the identification of 
risk, and significant effort and resources to managing risks.
We undertake diverse activities where the level of risk tolerated depends on the specific circumstances and 
objectives of the work being undertaken. We will only tolerate those risks which permit us to:
• achieve our stated strategic purposes and activities efficiently and cost-effectively
• comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and
• conduct our business in a safe and sound manner, with a particular focus on work health and safety.
While the responsibility for determining risk tolerance thresholds at an enterprise level for the Department lies 
with the Executive Board, management of risk is the responsibility of all officers in the course of their work.
The Portfolio Audit Committee reviews the Department’s enterprise risk management framework. The framework 
includes internal controls for the effective identification and management of our business and financial risks, and 
fraud. The Committee ensures a sound approach has been followed in managing the Department’s highest risks, 
including those associated with individual projects, programme implementation and supporting activities.
26 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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link to page 27 Appendix: Performance measures
Appendix: Performance measures
The performance measures outlined in the following pages were included in the Department’s 2015–16 
Portfolio Budget Statements and will form the basis of the Annual Performance Statement, to be included in the 
2015–16 Annual Report.11 
The Department reviews its performance information annually to ensure evaluation of long term outcomes is 
supported by evidence, including performance targets where relevant. We are refining our methodologies to 
develop stable and robust data sources that will deliver good performance information. The Department’s future 
corporate plans will reflect this approach of continuous improvement, as forward looking measures of success are 
further refined for each of the Department’s activities.
The Department’s performance measures are subject to ongoing monitoring, in addition to annual reporting in 
the Annual Performance Statements, reflecting the Department’s commitment to transparency and support for 
evidence based policy.
The Department’s commitment to continuous improvement in performance measurement is reflected in its 
investment in methodologies such as the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Information Tool (MERIT). 
MERIT allows grant recipients to record and upload data about the progress of their projects on a continual basis 
and to submit reports online, increasing information sharing within the natural resource management community 
and the broader public. The improvement in performance reporting enabled by MERIT is reflected in the 
measures of success for the Department’s activity sustainable management of natural resources.
The Department is committed to improving evaluation of the efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of 
policies, programmes and regulation in achieving their intended outcomes. Through active measures to support 
improved evaluation, including establishing a dedicated Evaluation Unit, the Department is promoting the 
consistent and transparent assessment of policies to inform decision making.
11  The reporting period for the Department’s performance measures commenced on 1 July 2015.
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link to page 28 link to page 28 link to page 28 Appendix: Performance measures—Environment and heritage
Environment and heritage
Purpose
Conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity, 
threatened species, ecosystems, environment and heritage
Activities
Sustainable management of natural resources
Environment and heritage regulation
Sustainable management of natural resources
Improve the extent, condition and connectivity of Australia’s natural resources to support sustainable 
use, provide habitat for nationally threatened species and protect natural assets
Relates to Programme 1.1: Sustainable management of natural resources and the environment
Key Performance Indicators
Increase in extent and connectivity of vegetation communities in project areas.12
By June 2018, the number of natural resource management projects demonstrating maintenance or 
improvement in the condition of targeted threatened species habitat. 
By June 2018, the increase in area of land on which farmers have adopted better management practices to 
improve their long term yield.
By June 2018, the increase in area of land managed to reduce threats to nationally listed threatened species and 
ecological communities.13
Deliverables
In 2015–16, deliver Green Army and 20 Million Trees programme rounds.
Number of trees established through 20 Million Trees Programme (target of 20 million trees by 2020).
By June 2016, projects in place for the establishment of two million trees.
By 31 December 2015, Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is updated.
56 Regional natural resource management organisations have delivered against National Landcare 
Programme objectives.
From July 2015, implement a Performance Review Framework for regional natural resource 
management organisations.
Existing natural resource management projects are progressed consistent with funding agreements.
Area of revegetation, restoration and management of invasive species undertaken through natural resource 
management projects.14
12  For projects reporting through the online Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Information Tool (MERIT).
13  For projects reporting through MERIT.
14  For projects reporting through MERIT.
28 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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link to page 29 Appendix: Performance measures—Environment and heritage
Mitigate key threats to nationally threatened species and ecological communities
Programme 1.1: Sustainable management of natural resources and the environment
Key Performance Indicators
Number of projects funded annually with focus on threatened species recovery.
By 2020, reverse population decline in 20 mammal species.
Deliverables
In July 2015, deliver a threatened species summit to raise the national profile of threatened species and 
their conservation.
By July 2015, develop and release the Threatened Species Strategy.
Protect and conserve the Great Barrier Reef
Programme 1.1: Sustainable management of natural resources and the environment
Key Performance Indicators
By June 2018, improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef from broad scale land use by 
reducing pollutant loads in priority areas, relative to 2008–09 baseline levels, by at least: 50 per cent for 
anthropogenic dissolved inorganic nitrogen; 60 per cent for pesticides; and 20 per cent for anthropogenic 
sediment and particulate nitrogen.
Any EPBC Act approved offset delivered under the Reef Trust maintains or improves the condition of matters 
of national and state environmental significance.
The Reef maintains its diversity of species and ecological habitats with a stable to improving trend.
Deliverables
By 30 June 2016, develop and implement Phase 3 Reef Trust Investment Strategy.
By August 2015, finalise and release the Reef Plan Report Card 2014–15.
Implement the Reef 2050 Long term Sustainability Plan.
Encourage community participation in protecting and conserving Australia’s nationally protected 
environment and heritage
Programme 1.1: Sustainable management of natural resources and the environment
Key Performance Indicators
Increase in the level of participation, skill-development or employment of young people, and Indigenous 
Australians, through natural resource management projects.15
Deliverables
Deliver Green Army and 20 Million Trees programme rounds in 2015–16.
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Green Army projects commenced
250
500
750
1000
1500
Green Army participants engaged
2500
5000
7500
10,000
15,000
15  For projects reporting through MERIT.
29

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link to page 30 link to page 30 link to page 30 Appendix: Performance measures—Environment and heritage
Improve the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation to provide key habitat for nationally 
threatened species and ecological communities and sequester carbon
Relates to Programme 1.3: Land Sector Initiatives
Key Performance Indicators
Increase in extent of native vegetation in project areas.16
By June 2018, number of natural resource management projects demonstrating maintenance or improvement 
in the condition of targeted threatened species habitat.
By July 2018, increase in area of land managed to reduce threats to nationally listed threatened species and 
ecological communities.17
Amount of carbon that has been sequestered through project investments.
Deliverables
Existing projects are progressed consistent with funding agreements.
By 30 June 2016, regional natural resource management organisations submit updated regional natural 
resource management plans.
Area of revegetation, restoration and management of invasive species undertaken as part of Biodiversity Fund.
Proportion of projects that increase connectivity between native vegetation remnants.18
Environment and heritage regulation
Identify, conserve and protect nationally significant natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places
Relates to Programme 1.4: Conservation of Australia’s Heritage and the Environment
Key Performance Indicators
Australia’s objectives for engagement in international forums on heritage, wildlife, the marine environment and 
biodiversity are achieved.
Documentation published under the EPBC Act on significant natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places 
supports their protection and management.
All Australian property included on the list of World Heritage is well managed.
Australian support through the Kokoda Initiative enables the track to remain open and safe during the 
trekking season.
Deliverables
Assess nationally significant places for inclusion in the National Heritage List within statutory time frames.
Provide funding to support the protection and management of nationally significant natural, Indigenous and 
historic heritage places.
By 31 October 2015, lead national implementation of the Australian Heritage Strategy through development 
of an implementation plan.
International obligations under, and reporting to, the World Heritage Committee and Convention on International 
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, Convention on Migratory Species, Convention on Biological 
Diversity, International Whaling Commission and the migratory birds agreements are met.
Engagement in international forums on heritage, wildlife, the marine environment and biodiversity to advance 
Australia’s interests.
16  For projects reporting through MERIT.
17  For projects reporting through MERIT.
18  For projects identified as addressing connectivity MERIT.
30 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Appendix: Performance measures—Environment and heritage
Deliver aid programmes in the region to further Australia’s environment and heritage objectives (Coral Triangle 
Initiative, Enhancing Pacific Ocean Governance, Kokoda Initiative and Indian Ocean Rim Association).
Support Australian Heritage Council and Threatened Species Scientific Committee to carry out their 
statutory functions.
Protect and conserve Australia’s threatened species, ecological communities and migratory species
Programme 1.4: Conservation of Australia’s Heritage and the Environment
Key Performance Indicators
Public access and use of the Species Profile and Threats (SPRAT) database, as indicated by the average monthly 
number of unique page views of the SPRAT website, continues above 40,000 views.
Deliverables
Current and comprehensive lists of threatened species, threatened ecological communities and migratory 
species are maintained and supported by plans and other information to guide protection and recovery.
Species and ecological communities assessed for inclusion, or removal from, national threatened lists within 
statutory deadlines.
Guidance documents (including plans, conservation advices, information guides and Species Profile and 
Threats database profiles) published for listed species and ecological communities to support regulation 
and management.
Agreements are in place with states and territories to use a common assessment method for threatened 
species and ecological communities and progress towards a single operational list of threatened species in 
each jurisdiction. 
A revised threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats is published.
By 30 June 2017, implement the Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan and Dugong and Turtle Protection Plan.
Support Australian Heritage Council and Threatened Species Scientific Committee to carry out their 
statutory functions.
Protect internationally traded flora and fauna consistent with national and international obligations
Programme 1.4: Conservation of Australia’s Heritage and the Environment
Key Performance Indicators
Australia’s objectives for engagement in international forums on heritage, wildlife, the marine environment and 
biodiversity are achieved.
Deliverables
Wildlife trade (imports and exports) is regulated in accordance with the requirements of Part 13A of the 
EPBC Act, and commercial fisheries in accordance with Parts 10, 13 and 13A of the EPBC Act.
International obligations under, and reporting to, the World Heritage Committee and Convention on International 
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, Convention on Migratory Species, Convention on Biological 
Diversity, International Whaling Commission and the migratory birds agreements are met.
Engagement in international forums on heritage, wildlife, the marine environment and biodiversity to advance 
Australia’s interests.
31

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link to page 32 link to page 32 Appendix: Performance measures—Environment and heritage
Ensure sustainable development outcomes by regulating impacts on matters of national 
environmental significance
Relates to Programme 1.5: Environmental Regulation
Key Performance Indicators
The number of hectares of habitat protected by offsets19 compared with the area impacted20 for approved projects.
The number and area of strategic assessments completed has increased:
• in 2015–16, the number of strategic assessments completed 
• km² / ha already approved under strategic assessments.
Estimated number of projects that did not require referral to the Department as these projects are able to 
assessed under an approved Strategic Assessment.
Deliverables
Undertake risk based compliance and enforcement activities to support regulation under the EPBC Act and 
the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981.
Streamline national environmental regulation, including through approval bilateral agreements negotiated and 
signed with all willing state and territory governments.
Deliver efficient environmental regulation by undertaking all individual and strategic environmental 
assessments and approvals under the EPBC Act and Sea Dumping Act within statutory timeframes.
At least 20 per cent of high-risk post approval projects, identified using the National Environmental Significance 
Threat and Risk Assessment model, are actively managed to ensure compliance with project conditions.
All allegations of non-compliance under the EPBC and Sea Dumping Acts are investigated.
Number of projects referred in 2015–16 that are being assessed under assessment bilateral agreements.
Number of projects referred in 2015–16 that have been approved with outcome-based conditions.
In 2015–16, number of already approved projects with revised streamlined conditions.
Protect the Alligator Rivers Region from the impacts of uranium mining
Programme 1.5: Environmental Regulation
Key Performance Indicators
Ensure the concentration of uranium in surface water downstream of Ranger Mine remains less than six 
micrograms per litre.
Annual research and monitoring programmes are scientifically rigorous, appropriately targeted to key 
knowledge needs and independently endorsed by the Alligator Rivers Technical Committee.
Deliverables
Oversee, and participate in, arrangements for the regulation of uranium mining in the Alligator Rivers Region 
to ensure regulation is adequate, effective and consistent with Commonwealth Environmental Requirements.
Undertake an annual scientific research programme into the environmental impacts of uranium mining 
to address key knowledge needs. Contribute to the development of scientifically rigorous environmental 
performance criteria for the operational, rehabilitation and closure phases of mining.
Undertake annual biological, chemical and radiological monitoring programmes to provide high-level 
assurance to stakeholders that the Alligator Rivers Region environment remains protected from uranium 
mining impacts consistent with statutory requirements.
19  Location data available is only for those offsets that have been secured, noting there is often a lag once an offset has been approved as a 
condition to the actual securing of the offset. This dataset will mature over time and is indicative only.
20  Location data from the referral documentation captures the maximum extent of the impact, and not the development footprint.
32 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Appendix: Performance measures—Environment and heritage
Protect the environment through national approaches to appropriately manage wastes and 
hazardous substances
Relates to Programme 1.6: Management of Hazardous Wastes, Substances and Pollutants
Key Performance Indicators
98 per cent of the population provided with access to TV and computer recycling services:
• in 2015–16, 50 per cent of total TV and computer waste is recycled nationally19
• 90 per cent of recycled materials are recovered for re-use.
In 2015, annual imports of ozone depleting substances do not exceed 28 Ozone Depleting Potential tonnes.
Collaboration with government, industry and the community through national approaches results in increased 
recycling and a reduction in the amount of waste and hazardous substances being released into the environment.
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Megalitres of used oil recovered for re-use 
over a 3 year average under the Product 
250
250
250
250
250
Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000
Deliverables
Meet statutory requirements under national legislation covering product stewardship, fuel quality standards, 
oil, hazardous waste, national environment protection measures, ozone depleting substances and synthetic 
greenhouse gas.
By June 2016, develop and implement a National Clean Air Agreement.
Ensure Australia meets obligations under international agreements on waste and hazardous substances.
Develop and implement standards to protect the environment from waste and hazardous substances.
By June 2016, complete a Regulation Impact Statement for the ratification of the Minamata Convention on 
Mercury and for new chemicals under the Stockholm Convention.
By December 2015, conduct a second open call for voluntary product stewardship.
By June 2016, publish the fourth Product List under the Product Stewardship Act.
By March 2016, deliver the third National Waste Report.
All licences, permits and notifications assessed within statutory timeframes to control the import and export of 
waste and hazardous substances.
All reports and notifications submitted within timeframes under Australia’s international responsibilities on 
waste and hazardous substances.
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Minimum number of site visits 
undertaken to test fuel samples under the 
450
450
450
450
450
Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000
Minimum number of site visits under the 
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse 
100
100
100
100
100
Gases Act 1989
Minimum number of assessment 
of chemicals and genetically 
250
250
250
250
250
modified organisms
21  The target has been updated to reflect a policy decision taken after the publication of the 2015–16 PBS.
33

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Appendix: Performance measures—Climate change
Climate change
Purpose
Develop and implement a national response to climate change
Activity
Reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and support adaptation to climate change
Reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and 
support adaptation to climate change
Meet Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets
Relates to Programme 2.1: Reducing Australia’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Key Performance Indicators
Australia’s annual emissions are consistent with meeting the Government’s 2020 target to reduce emissions 
by 5 per cent based on 2000 levels.
Percentage of national emissions covered by Emissions Reduction Fund methods.
Increase in the number of Australian carbon credit units issued.
Compliance with Emissions Reduction Fund safeguard mechanism—covered facilities do not exceed safeguard 
mechanism baselines.
The uptake of additional renewable energy is encouraged and the Renewable Energy Target of 23.5 per cent 
by 2020 is achieved.
Deliverables
Robust and credible annual emission projections provided to the Government by agreed timeframes.
Implement the Government’s amendments to the Renewable Energy Target scheme once settled.
Additional methods are made available under the Emissions Reduction Fund for identified priority abatement 
activities each year, as required.
Legislative rules for the Emissions Reduction Fund safeguard mechanism made by October 2015 and the 
safeguard mechanism established by 1 July 2016.
By December 2015, legislative rules for the Emissions Reduction Fund made.
Participation in the Carbon Neutral Programme is maintained or increased.
34 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Appendix: Performance measures—Climate change
Contribute to the negotiation of an effective global solution to climate change
Programme 2.1: Reducing Australia’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Key Performance Indicators
Key countries and civil society organisations from across the region commit to a collective plan to slow, halt 
and then reverse the loss of tropical rainforests across the Asia-Pacific region.
Deliverables
Annual national greenhouse gas inventory submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on 
Climate Change in accordance with internationally agreed timelines, and the UNFCCC determines the 
inventory to be consistent with its reporting obligations.
By 31 December 2015, biennial Report to the UNFCCC submitted.
Provide advice to support Australia’s national interests for a post 2020 global climate change agreement.
Assist developing countries to build greenhouse gas measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) capacity.
Implement a regional collective commitment to slow, halt and reverse the loss of tropical rainforests across the 
Asia-Pacific region.
Increase in the number of countries using Global Forest Observations Initiative tools.
Improve understanding of climate change impacts and inform decision making
Relates to programme 2.1: Adapting to Climate Change
Key Performance Indicators
By 30 June 2017, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Climate Change Adaptation 
Research Facility programme will report on:
• the number of end-users engaged in the design of a coastal risk management tool
• the number of coastal communities using information and tools from the project to inform local policy 
and plans
• the degree of awareness among relevant government agencies, coastal councils and business and industry 
groups of National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility Phase 2 outputs
• the extent to which the risk management tool is aligned with state and territory government initiatives in 
climate change adaptation in the coastal zone.
Information on climate change projections and adaptation approaches is well-targeted to the needs of regional 
natural resource management organisations and other decision-makers.
Deliverables
By 30 June 2017, funding for the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility will deliver:
• an online coastal climate risk management tool
• synthesised climate adaptation information for policy and decision-makers, and
• four adaptation research networks.
Provide access to information and best practice guidance on adaptation to climate risks to policy and decision 
makers across governments, business and communities.
By 30 June 2016, assist regional natural resource management organisations to manage climate risk by 
delivering targeted information on climate impacts and adaptation for natural resource management planning.
35

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Appendix: Performance measures—Antarctica
Antarctica
Purpose
Advance Australia’s strategic, scientific and environmental interests in the Antarctic
Activity
Antarctic science and presence
Antarctic science and presence
Conduct scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that supports national policy and 
environmental management priorities
Relates to Programme 3.1: Antarctica: Science, Policy and Presence
Key Performance Indicators
Scientific research conducted in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is internationally recognised, as 
indicated by:
• the number of scientific papers published in peer reviewed journals and / or submitted to key international 
forums in the previous calendar year, and 
• the number of international institutions collaborating in the Australian Antarctic programme during the  
financial year.
Deliverables
Deliver high priority Australian Antarctic scientific research in accordance with the goals of the Australian 
Antarctic Science Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2020–21.
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Number of scientists active in Antarctica, 
the sub-Antarctic and the Southern 
80
80
80
80
80
Ocean during the financial year
36 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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link to page 37 Appendix: Performance measures—Antarctica
Preserving our presence in and sovereignty over the Australian Antarctic Territory and offshore areas22
Programme 3.1: Antarctica: Science, Policy and Presence
Deliverables
Administer the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, 
including the authorisation and management of Australian activities in accordance with relevant legislation 
and environmental protection measures.
Maintain three stations in the Australian Antarctic Territory (Casey, Davis and Mawson) and one station in the 
sub-Antarctic (Macquarie Island).
Finalise the evaluation of the Request for Tender for the replacement of Australian Antarctic programme 
icebreaker and submit for final approval.
Coordinate the Government’s 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategy.
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Shipping days in support of Australia’s 
180
180
180
180
180
Antarctic programme
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Number of expeditioners transported to 
Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic 
400
400
400
400
400
stations (average round trips)
Flights between Hobart and Antarctica 
15
15
15
15
15
(number of flights)
Protecting the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean environment
Programme 3.1: Antarctica: Science, Policy and Presence
Deliverables
Protect the Antarctic environment and undertake work of practical, economic and international significance 
including compliance with Australian Antarctic environmental legislation.
Contribute to maintaining Antarctica’s freedom from strategic and/or political confrontation
Programme 3.1: Antarctica: Science, Policy and Presence
Key Performance Indicators
Exercise enhanced Australian influence in the Antarctic Treaty system, including through participation in its 
various forums, as measured by the extent to which Australia’s objectives are achieved and the number of senior 
positions (for example, Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson) held by Australia during the financial year.
22  This objective has been updated from the 2015–16 PBS.
37

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Appendix: Performance measures—Water
Water
Purpose
Improve water use efficiency and the health of rivers and freshwater ecosystems
Activity
Water reforms and environmental watering
Water reforms and environmental watering
Improve the environmental health of the Murray-Darling Basin consistent with national and international 
obligations by recovering water, including by prioritising water-saving infrastructure projects
Relates to Programme 4.1: Water Reform
Key Performance Indicators
Continued water recovery towards bridging the gap from contracted infrastructure projects, water purchases 
and state activities, consistent with the Water Recovery Strategy and Government commitment to cap water 
purchase at 1500 gigalitres (average annual yield).
On-farm irrigation infrastructure investments in the Murray-Darling Basin deliver water efficiency benefits to 
irrigated agriculture.
By 30 June 2016, Basin governments agree a package of constraints measures, and agree on a notification to 
the Murray-Darling Basin Authority on the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism.
Deliverables
Support the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by recovering water towards bridging the 
gap and assisting irrigation communities and industry adapt to changes in water availability, including by 
improved water use efficiency.
Help communities, irrigators and businesses to use water resources sustainably and efficiently, consistent 
with nationally agreed water reforms
Programme 4.1: Water Reform
Key Performance Indicators
Great Artesian Basin jurisdictions agree on a new strategic management plan which guides the future 
management of the Great Artesian Basin resource.
In 2015–16, achieve a domestic water saving of at least 100,000 megalitres through the effective 
implementation of a national water efficiency labelling and standards which support households in choosing 
more water-efficient products.
38 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Appendix: Performance measures—Water
Deliverables
Complete the condition assessment for the Lake Eyre Basin in partnership with Basin jurisdictions to inform a 
review of the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement.
Complete and publish a comprehensive update to the National Water Quality Management Strategy and water 
quality guidelines.
Implement the Government’s response to the Review of the Water Act 2007.
Finalise development of a new Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan.
By March 2016, negotiate the 2016–2019 Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme Strategic Plan 
with states and territories.
Relevant jurisdictions and stakeholders are engaged and informed on implementation of nationally agreed 
water reforms and related programmes.
Complete on ground works in accordance with the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative phase 4 
Project Agreement and bilateral schedules with states.
Negotiate a funding agreement with Tasmania for implementation of the Tranche 2 irrigation schemes.
Improve the knowledge of, and inform decision making on, the impacts of coal seam gas and coal mining 
development on water resources
Programme 4.1: Water Reform
Key Performance Indicators
During 2015–16, scientific products on the impacts of coal seam gas and coal mining development on water 
resources and advice provided by the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large 
Coal Mining Development are used by decision makers.
Deliverables
Advice provided by the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining 
Development meets statutory requirements, is timely and publicly available.
By 30 June 2016, complete at least four research products for publication.
By 30 June 2016, complete the bioregional assessments for all 13 subregions.
Protect and conserve the health of wetlands and freshwater ecosystems consistent with 
international obligations
Programme 4.1: Water Reform
Deliverables
Ensure Australia meets its obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
39

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Appendix: Performance measures—Water
Protect and restore environmental assets in the Murray-Darling Basin through the management and use 
of Commonwealth environmental water
Relates to Programme 4.2: Commonwealth Environmental Water
Key Performance Indicators
Intervention monitoring demonstrates that Commonwealth environmental water has contributed to the 
environmental objectives of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan including for water quality, ecosystem resilience 
and function, species diversity and populations of water dependent vegetation, fish and waterbirds at selected 
monitoring sites in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The extent to which local knowledge and solutions inform the implementation of environmental watering.
Deliverables
Develop and publish integrated plans for the use, carryover and trade of Commonwealth environmental water 
(integrated portfolio management plans) for 2016–17 to 2018–19.
Make Commonwealth environmental water available for delivery in response to seasonal watering conditions, 
consistent with the Basin Plan and Basin-wide environmental watering strategy as well as having regard to the 
Basin Annual Environmental Watering Priorities.
Manage the delivery of the Long Term Intervention Monitoring Project milestones set out in five year 
contracts (due for completion at the end of the 2019–20 financial year).
Engage local communities and stakeholders consistent with a Communication and Engagement Plan 
and use of regionally based Local Engagement Officers, to incorporate local experience and knowledge in 
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder decisions.
Maintenance of accurate records of the Commonwealth environmental water holdings, use, carryover and 
trade and publication of monthly updates on the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office website.
Publication of Commonwealth environmental water Portfolio Management Updates and Trading Intentions 
on a quarterly basis.
Publication of the 2014–15 Commonwealth Environmental Water Annual Report and the 2014–15 
Commonwealth Environmental Water Outcomes Report.
Volume of Commonwealth environmental water holdings, use, carryover and trade.
Water use decisions and delivery of environmental water by catchment and purpose.
40 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Appendix: Performance measures—Enabling activities
Enabling activities
Activities
Environmental science and research
Corporate support
Environmental science and research
Improve understanding of Australia’s environment and inform environmental decision-making through 
collaborative research and enhanced discovery, access and use of environmental information
Relates to Programme 1.2: Environmental Information and Research 
Also supported by Programmes 1.5, 2.2, 3.1 and 4.1
Key Performance Indicators
Increase in the number of environmental datasets which are openly accessible and available on the internet and 
follow guidance provided under the National Plan for Environmental Information initiative. 
Qualitative assessment shows that Departmental staff, state governments, business, community groups 
and others are using research outputs from the National Environmental Science Programme to inform 
management and policy development.
Qualitative assessment shows that Departmental staff, state governments, business, community groups and 
others are using data on measures of key aspects of the environment to inform policy development and 
environmental decision making.
Qualitative assessment shows that Departmental staff, state governments, business, community groups and 
others are using the 2016 State of the Environment report to inform policy development and environmental 
decision making.
Deliverables
By December 2016, prepare a national State of the Environment report.
By 1 July 2015, commence applied environmental research under the National Environmental 
Science Programme.
In partnership with the Bureau of Meteorology, develop a collaborative approach with Australian Government 
data holders to improve discovery, access and reuse of datasets for priority environmental information.
By December 2015, deliver an initial set of measures of key aspects of the environment, with additional 
measures being established by December 2016.
By 30 June 2016, publish findings from research activity funded under the Australian Climate Change 
Science Programme.
Review of the Australian Climate Change Science Programme made publicly available by 30 June 2017.
Financial year
2014–15 
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18 
2018–19
Taxa revised or newly described under 
the Australian Biological Resources Study 
200
200
200
200
200
(ABRS)
Number of early career researchers 
trained in taxonomy and species 
64
64
64
64
64
discovery through Australian Biological 
Resources Study (ABRS)
41

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link to page 42 Appendix: Performance measures—Enabling activities
Corporate support
Improve the Department’s capacity to serve the Government by strengthening capability and serving the 
needs of the Department and Ministers
Key Performance Indicators
Reduction in Comcare premiums arising from Department wide consistency in case management and 
engagement with Early Intervention Programme.
Staff engagement with the Department as measured by proportion of staff who rate their experience working 
for the Department as ‘good’ or above in the APS Census.
Number of Australian National Audit Office financial statements audit findings of the Department that are 
rated as A, B and C.23
Number of externally reportable financial breaches.
Percentage of payments made within 30 days of receipt of goods / services on a correctly rendered invoice.
Number of contracts entered into with small and medium enterprises.
Proportion of ongoing staff from a non-English-speaking background) by level and location.
Gender balance for ongoing staff by level and location.
Reduction in number and duration of Datacom and Macquarie Telecom system / user issues, to improve stability 
and performance of ICT systems in accordance with service agreements from the levels recorded in 2014–15. 
Proportion of Datacom post access survey respondents who rate interaction with Datacom as ‘good’ or above 
to meet or exceed 80 per cent of respondents.
Total (internal and external) legal spend for the Department.
Total number of (direct and indirect) briefs to Counsel.
Improvement in the proportion of departmental policy briefs achieving quality standards.
Number and proportion of staff attending policy forums.
Deliverables
Deliver a new streamlined Enterprise Agreement 2015–18.
By December 2015, deliver a revised Departmental Strategic Workforce Plan.
By 30 July 2015, deliver a comprehensive Work Health and Safety Management System, including due 
diligence framework.
By 30 June 2016, implement Work Health and Safety Management System awareness raising training, 
monitoring and assurance to support the system.
23  The ANAO rates its audit findings according to a risk scale. Audit findings that pose a significant risk to the entity and that should be 
addressed as a matter of urgency, are rated as ‘A’. Findings that pose a moderate risk are rated as ‘B’ and should be addressed by entities 
within the next 12 months. Findings that are procedural in nature, or reflect relatively minor administrative shortcomings, are rated as ‘C’.
42 / Corporate Plan 2015–16

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Appendix: Performance measures—Enabling activities
Contribute to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage
Key Performance Indicators
By 2018, progress towards the Department’s commitment to achieving a target of 4.5 per cent of Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Proportion of staff who have completed training in Indigenous cultural awareness during the previous 
three years.
Number of contracts entered into with Indigenous enterprises.
Deliverables
Deliver the Department’s updated Reconciliation Action Plan.
Contribute to the Government’s deregulation agenda by identifying deregulatory opportunities and 
considering better practice regulatory design across the Department’s work, and broader portfolio
Key Performance Indicators
Regulator Performance Indicators
Performance against these indicators will be assessed in the Regulator Performance Framework.
Regulators do not unnecessarily impede the efficient operation of regulated entities.
Communication with regulated entities is clear, targeted and effective.
Actions undertaken by regulators are proportionate to the regulatory risk being managed.
Compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and co-ordinated.
Regulators are open and transparent in their dealings with regulated entities.
Regulators actively contribute to the continuous improvement of regulatory frameworks.
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Document Outline

• Contents
  • Message from the Secretary
• Introduction
  • Role
  • Our people
• Operational context
• Purposes
  • Environment and heritage
  • Climate change
  • Antarctica
  • Water
  • Enabling activities
• Capability
  • Our values
  • The way we operate
  • Support
• Risk oversight and management
• Appendix: Performance measures
  • Environment and heritage
  • Climate change
  • Antarctica
  • Water
  • Enabling activities

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