Australia's Oceans Policy
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Australia’s Oceans Policy was released in 1998 and continues to guide the direction of the Australian Government’s programmes in the marine environment.
The policy provides national coordination and consistency for marine planning and management, while allowing for regional diversity.
The policy was established with governance arrangements including:
In 2003, two other bodies were established to assist the further development and implementation of Australia's Oceans Policy.
The Oceans Board of Management comprises representatives from seven Australian Government departments and agencies relevant to Australia's marine jurisdiction. It was formed to provide high-level, whole-of-government advice on operational aspects of Australia's Oceans Policy and its central programme of regional marine planning.
The Oceans Policy Science Advisory Group, comprising representatives of Australian Government marine science and related agencies, as well as State research institutions and non-government marine science interests was also formed. It is tasked with promoting coordination and information sharing between Government marine science agencies and across the broader Australian marine science community.
The Government made a number of changes to institutional arrangements in 2004
The National Oceans Ministerial Board was dissolved, with the Minister for the Environment and Heritage taking lead responsibility for Australia's Oceans Policy in consultation with Ministerial colleagues where required. The National Oceans Advisory Group now reports to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage rather than the Board.
The National Oceans Office was incorporated into the new Marine Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and continues to have lead responsibility for regional marine planning. The Marine Division brings together the key elements of marine environment policy into a central point within the Department.