Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p113
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 322818–326226

employees of other Australian, state or territory government agencies may be appointed by the Minister as rangers or wardens. The Australian Government requires that investigating officers be trained to standards prescribed in the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines. Rangers and wardens conduct monitoring and enforcement operations while on routine patrols and during specific, targeted programmes. Park staff not appointed as wardens and rangers cannot exercise these powers but can encourage compliance with legislation through education to raise public awareness of appropriate behaviour.

Northern Territory laws apply in the park to the extent that they can operate concurrently with the EPBC Act and Regulations and this plan.

Management issues

    * Effective compliance and enforcement requires appropriate resources and a strategic approach based on risk management principles.

    * Exercise of enforcement powers by park staff must comply with Australian Government policies, standards and guidelines.

    * Establishing and maintaining working relationships with other relevant compliance agencies can improve management of compliance issues that are of shared concern.

Policies

     9.2.1              Park compliance and enforcement strategies will be based on the Parks Australia Compliance and Enforcement Manual, other Parks Australia policies, Australian Government standards, legal requirements, risk management principles, and Board priorities.

Actions

     9.2.2              Continue to implement, review and update the compliance and enforcement strategy for the park and procedures to promote and encourage the protection of park values using complementary approaches, including:

        (a)      informed self-regulation through education and communication programmes

        (b)      assisted self-regulation, such as through verbal and written advice and warnings

        (c)       application of administrative powers, such as issuing infringement notices and suspending permits

        (d)      civil and criminal court proceedings.

     9.2.3              Liaise and, where appropriate, collaborate with other relevant agencies involved in compliance and enforcement. This may include entering into agreements and making arrangements for wardens to be appointed as law enforcement officers under relevant Northern Territory legislation and for Northern Territory Government officers to be appointed as wardens or rangers under the EPBC Act.

     9.2.4              Monitor the effectiveness of the EPBC Act and Regulations in relation to the park and recommend amendments to the Minister if required.

     9.2.5              Provide ongoing compliance and law enforcement skills development and assessment for staff appointed, or likely to be appointed, as rangers and wardens. Provide training on the basics of park compliance and enforcement for new staff and relevant stakeholders.

     9.3                 Authorising and managing activities

Background

The values of Kakadu attract a wide range of researchers, visitors and commercial operators interested in learning about and experiencing Kakadu's unique landscape and habitats. To ensure the park values are protected, the EPBC Act and this plan require that a range of recreational, commercial, research and day-to-day activities can only be undertaken in the park if authorised in accordance with