Regulators and Legislation
Provides you with direct links to Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies that have a responsibility or an interest in chemical management.
Principal Links
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Providing information on hazardous chemicals, household chemicals and pest and weed control
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment
Commonwealth Government
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EPHC Scoping Paper- Towards Ecologically Sustainable Management of Chemicals in Australia
http://www.ephc.gov.au/ephc/chemicals_mgt.html
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is an Australian government authority responsible for the assessment and registration of pesticides and veterinary medicines and for their regulation up to and including the point of retail sale. The APVMA administers the National Registration Scheme for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (NRS) in partnership with the States and Territories and with the active involvement of other Australian government agencies.
http://www.apvma.gov.au/
The Australian community expects that medicines and medical devices in the marketplace are safe and of high quality, to a standard at least equal to that of comparable countries. The objective of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which came into effect on 15 February 1991, is to provide a national framework for the regulation of therapeutic goods in Australia and ensure their quality, safety and efficacy.
http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/azguide.htm
The DFAT site looks at both the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on the Persistent Organic Pollutants
http://www.dfat.gov.au/environment/haz_chem.html
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is an international treaty that bans the development, production, possession or use of chemical weapons, and requires the destruction of existing weapons. The CWC entered into force on 29 April 1997. As of 15 September 2003, there were 153 member countries to the CWC.
http://www.dfat.gov.au/cwco
The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) is Australia?s national body that leads and coordinates national efforts to prevent workplace death, injury and disease in Australia. Links to portal on asbestos.
http://www.nohsc.gov.au
The NZ Ministry for Environment administers the HSNO Act but it is implemented by the Environmental Risk Management Authority and enforced by various agencies.
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/hazardous/
The Department of Health and Ageing links you with sites on specific programs, subjects and initiatives developed by the Department and agencies within the Portfolio, as well as links to related national and international health sites.
http://www.health.gov.au//internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/content/health-azguide.htm
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has the dual roles of providing customer services to the agricultural, food, fisheries and forest industries, and addressing the challenges of natural resource management. It also helps build and promote the whole food and fibre chain from paddock to plate for domestic and international markets.
http://www.daff.gov.au
DEH works with other Commonwealth agencies to ensure chemicals are used in a way that minimises harm to our environment, our health and our food. It does this by undertaking environmental assessments of industrial and agricultural chemicals for the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), engaging with the States & Territories, industry and community groups in the development of guidelines and standards to reduce production of hazardous chemicals, cooperating in international agreements for restricting the use, production, and emission or release of hazardous chemicals, or for the sharing of information about them.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/chemicals
The following table lists source materials for approved codes of practice that relate to workplace health and safety:
- Links are provided to NOHSC materials
- Australian Standards are available for purchase through Standards Australia?s website at http://www.standards.com.au
http://www.comcare.gov.au/safety/codes_of_practice
The National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) has been established under section 52B of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Committee comprises of State and Territory government members and other persons appointed by the Minister such as technical experts and representatives of various sectional interests.
http://www.tga.gov.au/ndpsc/index.htm
FSANZ ensures safe food by developing effective food standards for Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, FSANZ develops food standards for the entire food chain, from primary production through to manufactured food and retail outlets.
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/thecode/
NICNAS website contains essential information about the registration of industrial chemicals and the chemicals in our lives
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/chemicals_in_australia.asp
The Department of Transport & Regional Services (DOTARS) has had a long commitment in promoting best practice and harmonised legislation for the land transport of dangerous goods in Australia.
http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/australia/dangerous/index.aspx
The Office of Chemical Safety is part of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Group of Regulators, within the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA). The Office of Chemical Safety delivers its business objectives through a strategic network of alliances with chemicals regulators in Australia.
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/content/ohp-ocs.htm
The Authority (ERMA) makes decisions on applications to import or manufacture new hazardous substances. They also approve the controls that may be attached to existing hazardous substances in order to use them safely.
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/
State & Territory Governments
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In September 2003 four separate agencies within the NSW environment portfolio were consolidated to create the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The DEC leads an ongoing environment reform program to: protect the state's natural and cultural heritage; achieve a healthy environment (including clean air and water; cleaner industries; healthy communities, rivers and land; and better waste management); and continue to improve the state's world class reserve system.
http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/topics.htm
Department of Primary Industries Chemicals Toxicity Posters on Grazing, Cropping, Nursery and Cut Flowers, Vegetable Industry and Stone and Pome Fruit
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/index.htm
The QLD Environmental Protection Agency deals with a wide range of environmental matters including protecting air, water and soil quality, managing waste, preventing or controlling pollution, managing the state?s coastline, and promoting sustainable industry. Environmental planning and research helps improve our environment and lessen the effects of people.
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/
The Environment Protection Authority is South Australia?s primary environmental regulator, responsible for the protection of air and water quality, and control of pollution, waste, noise, and radiation. The EPA administers the Environment Protection Act and the Radiation Protection and Control Act.
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/epa/sitemap.html
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA) and associated volunteers respond to a wide range of emergencies including fire, cyclones, storms, floods, road accidents, chemical spills and earthquakes as well as undertaking search and rescue operations on land and water.
http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au
The WA EPA was established as an independent Authority with the broad objective of protecting the State's environment through the undertaking of providing overarching environmental advice through the preparation of environmental protection policies and the assessment of development proposals and management plans, as well as providing public statements about matters of environmental importance
http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/
View information products produced with the aim of reducing the risks to workers handling chemicals.
http://www.eric.sa.gov.au/show_page.jsp?id=2769
The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) protects the safety and health of employees in the mineral and petroleum resources sector and minimises the environmental impact of activities in this sector. In addition, DoIR protects the community by ensuring dangerous goods are stored, handled and transported in a safe manner.
http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/environment/
The Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 and regulations were introduced to protect Queensland's marine and coastal environment by minimising deliberate and negligent discharges of ship-sourced pollutants into coastal waters.
http://msq.qld.gov.au/home/environment/
Environment ACT works to a range of legislation, plans, strategies and agreements which set out goals, actions and directions for management work and strategic directions
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/work/environment_for_business_and_industry
The Victorian EPA is a statutory body established to respond to community concern about pollution with the mission to enable a safe, clean and sustainable environment for the Victorian community
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/sitemap.asp
The Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment role is to manage the State's natural resources - our air, land, water, plants and animals - so that all Tasmanians benefit.
http://www.environment.tas.gov.au
Local Government
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The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing more than 700 councils across the country. Through this page ALGA provides access to a range national policies, resources and programs that are relevant to local government across Australia.
http://www.alga.asn.au/policy/environment/index.php?id=1ba889ccab2d1ed06127b67f6c4453b4
More Links
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Water policy seeks the conservation and sustainable management of freshwater resources by progressing the development and implementation of water-related environment policy,
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/index.html
Inland Waters Themed Report: Ground water pollution and the quality of groundwater resources, contamination by pesticides, nitrates and other pollution
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/inland/water02-4b.html
NICNAS chemical information sheet on ammonium lauryl sulfate including references
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/information_sheets/existing_chemical_information_sheets/ecis_als_pdf.pdf
NICNAS chemical information sheet on sodium lauryl sulfate including references
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/information_sheets/existing_chemical_information_sheets_sls_pdf.pdf
Information on what heavy metals are, the illnesses they cause and how they are absorbed.
http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/imported-food/testing/heavy-metals/index.htm
Information from NICNAS, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on keeping cosmetics safe
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/current_issues.asp
"The Health program exists to promote, improve and maintain the health, well-being and independence of the veteran community."
http://www.dva.gov.au/health/mainhe.htm
Information on complementary medicines and their proper use with links to chemical information
http://www.tga.gov.au/cm/cm.htm
NICNAS - Information for Public including new chemicals, cosmetics, existing chemicals and information sheets
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/about_nicnas.asp
The Australian Government manages parks and reserves that come under its direct responsibility, including areas located on external island territories and within Australian waters beyond the State limit of three nautical miles.
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/
This guide outlines the correct handling and disposal procedures for small quantities of pesticide waste from household use
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/envirom/wastepest.htm
Australian Government Directory information for each State on business, education, government, indigenous services, organisations and associations, research and development and tourism and recreation
http://www.agd.com.au
W.A. site - Has details for preparing an emergency response plan and DEH phone number for reporting.
http://portal.water.wa.gov.au/portal/page/portal/waterquality/publications/waterqualityprotectionnotes
The Department of Transport & Regional Services (DOTARS) has had a long commitment in promoting best practice and harmonised legislation for the land transport of dangerous goods in Australia.
http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/australia/dangerous/index.aspx
Tasmania Primary Industries and Resources Department provides information on Codes of Practice, Guidelines and Information Sheets on chemicals use
http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/EGIL-52Q7L9?open
Fact sheets concerning chemical use and storage
http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/spray-sense
Research Project on air toxic levels in NSW with focus on dioxins and heavy metals
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/air/dopatihm/index.htm
The Northern Territory?s Department of Health and Community Services, Environmental Health section maintains a Poisons Control section. Poisons Control is responsible for the monitoring and control of supply of Poisons (scheduled substances) and Therapeutic Goods in the Northern Territory. Click here to find out more information.
http://www.nt.gov.au/health/healthdev/environ_health/application_forms/poisons_control.shtml
Australian Maritime Safety Authority - Fact Sheet
http://www.amsa.gov.au/Marine_Environment_Protection/National_plan/Reports-Fact_Sheets-Brochures/How_Australia_responds_to_oil_and_chemical_spills_fact_sheet.asp
Sets out clear definitions of the responsibilities of the Commonwealth, States/NT and industry. The Plan also provides additional focus on communications and includes more information on responding to chemical spills from containers. It further reflects the adoption of the Incident Control System (ICS) as the National Plan management structure used during response operations.
http://www.amsa.gov.au/Marine_Environment_Protection/National_plan/Contingency_Plans_and_Management/Chemical_Spill_Contingency_Plan.asp
In the 2000/2001 reporting year the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) commenced using a new reporting tool. The tool enables companies to discharge NPI reporting responsibilities in a single email transaction. The tool streamlines reporting, providing pre-filled administrative information, NPI data reported in previous years, and automatic validation
http://www.npi.gov.au/handbooks/index.html
This site contains Fact sheets including information on waste management
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/environment/waste/factsheets/index.html
Under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act) the EPA regulates contaminated sites that pose a significant risk of harm to human health or the environment
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/clm/index.htm
If you witness a vessel polluting, you can report the incident to AMSA or the local port/marine/transport authority. Contact details for reporting provided.
http://www.amsa.gov.au/Marine_Environment_Protection/Reporting_Ship_Sourced_Pollution/
Information on agriculture and food and the use of chemicals in Victoria
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/nreninf.nsf/childdocs/-49A21C225110DAB74A2568B30004DB83-374ADF63FBF2E89BCA256BC700833E68-06ECF56A08EE79904A256DEA0027F033-ED80C62F78875593CA257093000E5D28?open
VIC Department of Premier and Cabinet's document management system containing Parliamentary documents, Statute Book and information on Victorian Law
http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au
Environment ACT works to a range of legislation, plans, strategies and agreements which set out goals, actions and directions for management work and strategic directions
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/work/environment_for_business_and_industry
The Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 and regulations were introduced to protect Queensland's marine and coastal environment by minimising deliberate and negligent discharges of ship-sourced pollutants into coastal waters.
http://msq.qld.gov.au/home/environment/
Information on Chemical Management - Risk Assessment
http://education.qld.gov.au/stragetic/eppr/health/hlspr006/
Waste Service NSW provides householders with a free collection and recycling service for household paints, paint thinners, household cleaners and engine oil.
http://www.wasteservice.nsw.gov.au/dir138/publish.nsf/Content/services_household
Consumer info concerning the safety of CCA treated timber
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/living/cca-treatedtimber.html
NT Government - Waste Management and Pollution Control Legislation including Fact Sheets and Guidelines
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/environment/waste/index.html
NT Worksafe - Information Bulletin on Dangerous Goods - Explosives
http://www.nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe/corporate/bulletins04.shtml
NT Worksafe - Information Bulletin on Hazardous Substances - General Information
http://www.nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe/corporate/bulletins08.shtml
A joint facility of UTS and UNSW Faculties of Law
http://www.austlii.edu.au/
Here you can access topics on agriculture and veterinary chemicals
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/browse/health/chemicals
NSW EPA chemical use and disposal including contaminated land management, chemical control orders, pesticides and hazardous materials
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/chemicals/index.htm
The purpose of this Marine Notice is to advise all ship owners, operators and service providers of the status both internationally and in Australia regarding the application of TBT-based anti-fouling paint.
http://www.amsa.gov.au/shipping%5Fsafety/marine%5Fnotices/2002/marine%5Fnotices%5F25%5F02.asp
Information on Consumer and Employment protection in WA including chemicals and agriculture
http://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/newsite/worksafe/default.html
Fact sheets on household and hazardous chemicals
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/residentialenvironmentprotectionissues
NT Worksafe - Information Bulletin on Biological Hazards - Infectious Disease Control
http://www.nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe/corporate/bulletins01.shtml
NT Worksafe is the administrative and regulatory arm of the Northern Territory Work Health Authority the statutory body established under the Work Health Act. NT Worksafe is responsible for the Territory-wide regulation of occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and workers' compensation.
http://www.nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe/corporate/bulletins17.shtml
Health effects from dioxins, furans and PCBs.
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/air/breathe/dioxins.html
Information on state legislation controls and the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Tasmania
http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au
National Occupational Health and Safety link to databases on risks, exposure standards, hazardous substances, and training material
http://www.ascc.gov.au
The Government On-Line Directory (GOLD) is the online guide to the structure and key people in the Australian Government.
http://gold.directory.gov.au/
The National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) has been established under section 52B of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Committee comprises of State and Territory government members and other persons appointed by the Minister such as technical experts and representatives of various sectional interests.
http://www.tga.gov.au/ndpsc/index.htm
NSW EPA site, covering regulation of pesticides, definitions, use, training, disposal on a commercial & a home scale.
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/pesticides/index.htm
SCALEplus contains legislation of the Commonwealth and non self-governing Territories (and related material such as Reserved Commonwealth Laws, the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act and the Constitution (including ancillary documents) as well as Bills, explanatory memoranda/statements, tables, indexes and other finding aids).
http://scaleplus.law.gov.au/
Information on the phaseout of TBT, includes Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull Cleaning and Maintenance
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/pollution/antifouling/index.html
Fact sheets concerning chemical use, storage and impact on farm animals.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/resources/factsheets/agriclture
The Department of Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts has been created in recognition of the important link between the Territory's greatest assets - intact natural environment and authentic cultural traditions.
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/
Tasmanian Consolidated Legislation Online
http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is an international treaty that bans the development, production, possession or use of chemical weapons, and requires the destruction of existing weapons. The CWC entered into force on 29 April 1997. As of 15 September 2003, there were 153 member countries to the CWC.
http://www.dfat.gov.au/cwco
South Australian Govt brochure on hazardous waste disposal in that state.
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/human/waste/hazardous.html
