Agency controlled unregistered

Jul 1990- : Australian National Botanic Gardens
            Jervis Bay National Park
            Christmas Island National Park
            Cocos (Keeling) Islands
            Norfolk Island National Park

Summary heading

CA 2281 – Biodiversity Group.

Abolition

The Department of the Environment & Heritage implemented a new organizational structure in 2000-2001 as a result of which the Biodiversity Group ceased to exist. The former group’s main functions were assumed by the Department’s new Natural Heritage Division and Parks Australia (1).

Creation

The Biodiversity Group was created as a result of a major review of the environment portfolio in 1996. The Group was one of six functional groups within the Department of the Environment and Heritage. The functions of the Australian Nature Conservation Agency (formerly the AustralianNational Parks and Wildlife Service) were incorporated within the Group. 

Functions and activities

The Group had a wide range of nature conservation responsibilities, including the statutory obligations of the Director of National Parks, and the sustainable use of land and water.

The Group managed or jointly managed with indigenous traditional owners, eight terrestrial parks and reserves or similar areas set aside for biodiversity protection. It had responsibilities under Commonwealth legislation for endangered species, migratory species and the regulation of the export and import of wildlife. It administered Australia’s obligations under a number of international agreements and supported scientific research. 

The group also had carriage of a range of Natural Heritage Trust programs, including Bushcare, the Endangered Species Program, the Endangered Species Program, the National Reserves Systems Program, the National River Health Program, the Invasive Species Program, the National Weeds Program, Waterwatch and the National Wetlands Program (2). 

The National Parks and Wildlife component of the Group continued to administer the Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service’s / Australian Nature Conservation Agency’s legislative responsibilities under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975.

Legislation administered

National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975.

Whale Protection Act 1980

Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982

Endangered Species Protection Act 1992

National Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997. 

Administrative structure

Historical agency address

1975-1983: 

Lombard House, Allara Street, Canberra City ACT

ElectricityBuilding, Lowe Street, Queanbeyan NSW

John Curtin House, Brisbane Avenue, Barton ACT

Adelaide House, Woden ACT

Woolley Street, Dickson ACT

By 1983-1991: 

3rd Floor, Construction House, Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT

By 1991-1993: 

Lakeview Square, 153 Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT 

1993-2001?:

Nature Conservation House, 153 Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT

State/regional structure

Records created by the agency

Additional information

End notes

(1)   Cf. Department of the Environment & Heritage Portfolio Budget Statements for 2000-01 and 2001-02. 

(2)    Department of the Environment & Heritage Portfolio Budget Statement, 2000-01.

Sources