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| Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water |
| Type | Department |
| Formed | 2022 |
| Preceding1 | Department of the Environment and Energy |
| Jurisdiction | Australia |
| Headquarters | Canberra |
Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is an Australian public sector department responsible for national policy on climate change, energy, environmental protection and water resource management. It interfaces with federal entities such as the Prime Minister of Australia, the Treasury, the Parliament of Australia, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to implement policy across portfolios including emissions reduction, renewable energy, conservation and water security. The department coordinates with international bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency, and bilateral partners including the United States Department of Energy, the European Commission, and the Asian Development Bank.
The department was created in 2022 amid administrative restructures following elections involving figures such as the Scott Morrison ministry and the Anthony Albanese ministry, succeeding functions from the Department of the Environment and Energy and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Its formation reflected policy debates involving stakeholders like the Climate Council (Australia), the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Business Council of Australia, and advocacy groups including GetUp! and the Australian Industry Group. Key historical junctures tied to legislation and agreements include the Paris Agreement, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act, and the Water Act 2007. The department’s remit evolved amid events such as the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season, the 2022 Australian federal election, and international fora like the COP26 and COP27.
The department administers national implementation of emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement and coordinates programs linked to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, the Carbon Farming Initiative, and the Emissions Reduction Fund. It oversees renewable energy policy instruments related to the Renewable Energy Target, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, while managing environmental protections under the EPBC Act and heritage listings such as those on the World Heritage Convention list. Water resource responsibilities include elements of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, the Commonwealth Water Act, and engagement with the Basin Officials Committee. The department regulates interactions with industries like mining firms such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Santos and coordinates with research institutions including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and universities like Australian National University.
The department is organized into divisions reflecting climate policy, energy policy, environmental protection, water resources, and corporate services, with statutory agencies reporting such as the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and the Australian Heritage Council. Senior executive roles include a Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, and branch heads liaising with ministers from portfolios tied to the Finance and the Attorney-General's Department. It interfaces with advisory bodies such as the Climate Change Authority, the Independent Science Panel for the Murray–Darling Basin, and expert panels formed after reviews like the Hook Review. Administrative arrangements trace to instruments such as Administrative Arrangements Orders issued by the Governor-General of Australia on advice from the Prime Minister of Australia.
Major programs administered include grants and auctions under the Emissions Reduction Fund, investment programs via the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and funding streams for grid infrastructure related to projects involving AEMO and the National Electricity Market. Conservation programs implement protections under the EPBC Act and fund initiatives through partnerships with organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Water programs support the implementation of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan and drought relief measures coordinated with state authorities like the New South Wales Government and the Victorian Government. The department also administers research collaborations with the CSIRO, universities including University of Melbourne and University of Sydney, and international research networks such as the Global Carbon Project.
Political oversight is exercised by ministers appointed in the Ministry of Australia such as the Minister for Climate Change, the Minister for Energy, and the Minister for the Environment and Water; officeholders since 2022 have included figures from parties like the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of Australia. The department’s administrative head holds the title of Secretary and reports to the Prime Minister of Australia and relevant cabinet committees including the National Cabinet (Australia). It collaborates with cross-portfolio ministers dealing with Resources and Northern Australia, Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and Industry, Science and Technology in policy delivery.
Budget allocations are set in annual documents presented to the Parliament of Australia and shaped by the Federal Budget of Australia process administered by the Treasury. Funding supports statutory agencies such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency alongside departmental programs for conservation, emissions reduction, and water management. The department’s workforce comprises public servants recruited under the Australian Public Service framework, with secondees and contractors from organisations including International Energy Agency, World Bank, and private sector firms like Macquarie Group for project delivery.
The department has been subject to scrutiny over matters including perceived policy conflicts between development approvals for projects by companies such as Adani Group and environmental protections under the EPBC Act, debates over the adequacy of emissions reductions relative to commitments under the Paris Agreement, and tensions in implementation of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan involving state governments like Queensland and South Australia. Critics from groups including the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Climate Council (Australia), and opposition parties such as the Liberal Party of Australia have highlighted issues in transparency, approvals processes, and program effectiveness, while industry stakeholders like the Business Council of Australia and Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association have raised concerns about regulatory certainty. International commentators from forums like COP negotiations and institutions such as the International Energy Agency have also evaluated the department’s policies in the context of global decarbonisation pathways and energy transition financing.
Category:Australian government agencies