Background

In November 2003, representatives from twelve regulatory agencies from around Australia met in Canberra to discuss the challenges they were confronting. It was recognised that regulatory agencies share many common challenges, including:

  • confronting the cross-jurisdictional nature of environmental issues
  • improving the level of co-operation between agencies
  • promoting cultural change both internally and externally
  • reforming legislation to improve enforceability and ensure compliance
  • improving training standards and opportunities for staff
  • improving consistency and accountability in decision making

It was agreed that effective enforcement outcomes are influenced by other components of the regulatory framework, including legislative drafting, administrative processes, assessment and authorisations, investigative methods, and resources. Deficiencies in any one area can undermine effective enforcement and with it, the credibility of the law and the regulatory agencies. Maintaining and building the credibility of regulatory agencies is a critical element in building confidence in the regulated community.

Since that initial meeting, AELERT has continued to strengthen. In November 2004, the first national conference was held in Melbourne, Australia. The conference was well attended with over 170 representatives from Australia and overseas. Currently AELERT has in excess of sixty-five member agencies and further agencies have indicated they are likely to join. Please click here to view a presentation on the background of AELERT.

The objective of the network is to:

  • promote inter-agency cooperation
  • raise professional standards in the administration of environmental law
  • facilitate development of bi-lateral and multi-lateral relationships
  • establish nationally agreed competency and training standards

At the first conference it was agreed to establish a National Committee (now the AELERT Steering Committee with the inclusion of New Zealand member agencies and changing from Australian to Australasian). The Steering Committee consists of the traditional executive positions together with the chairpersons of any Clusters (previously Sub-Committees) and representatives from each jurisdiction. At present, the Steering Committee is chaired by Greg Sullivan, from the NSW Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Water. The Steering Committee has five established Clusters:

  • Better Regulation
  • Capacity Building
  • Legal Practice
  • Operational
  • Special Projects

An information sheet titled What is AELERT? provides a background to key pieces of information about AELERT.