Since 1994, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has operated as an independent environmental authority with a five member board. The EPA's broad objective is to protect the State’s environment. This is undertaken through the process of providing overarching environmental advice to the Minister for the Environment 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.

From 1 July 2017, the new Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) will support the EPA in conducting environmental impact assessments and developing policies to protect the environment. The DWER also monitors compliance with the conditions of Ministerial Statements.