Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Outcome 2 Sustainable Population and Communities

Improved sustainability of Australia’s population, communities and environment through coordination and development of sustainable population and communities policies; and the reduction and regulation of waste, pollutants and hazardous substances.

Main responsibilities for this outcome

National Waste Policy, National Waste Report and product stewardship, including the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Air quality, fuel standards and vehicle emissions. Hazardous substance regulation and management. Chemical policy and risk assessment. Protection of the ozone layer and management of synthetic greenhouse gases. Biotechnology risk assessment. National Pollutant Inventory.

Environment Quality Division

Policy advice on population and sustainable communities, including the Sustainable Population Strategy. Assist state and local governments to plan and provide for employment hubs to support local jobs through the Suburban Jobs Program. Develop a set of headline sustainability indicators for Australia to inform decision making and planning at national and community levels, and commence regular reporting against these indicators. Establish and support the National Sustainability Council, including in the production of the biannual Sustainable Australia Report. Lead (jointly with AusAID) the Australian Government’s engagement in the development of Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainability Policy and Analysis Division

Objectives

• 
  Improve the quality of the environment and reduce pollution through national frameworks, standards, regulation, and monitoring of wastes, hazardous substances, air pollutants, ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.
  
• 
  Promote sustainable communities; contributing to a sustainable Australia through supporting state and local governments to plan and provide for increased employment opportunities outside the central business districts of our major capital cities.
  
• 
  Improve access to information about Australia’s sustainability for use in decision making and planning at national and community levels, particularly through a set of sustainability indicators for Australia.
  

Key achievements

• 
  Arrangements were in place to apply the equivalent carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases on 1 July 2012 as part of the Clean Energy Future plan.
  
• 
  Arrangements for destruction of waste synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances as part of the Clean Energy Future Package commenced from 1 July 2013.
  
• 
  The department advanced work on a number of the 16 strategies under the National Waste Policy: Less waste, more resources, including:
  
  • 
    implementing the first target year of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, the first co-regulatory product stewardship scheme established under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 and Strategy 1 of the National Waste Policy
    
  • 
    publishing sustainable procurement guidelines under Strategy 2 of the National Waste Policy in April 2013
    
  • 
    establishing the Product Stewardship Advisory Group under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 and publishing the first product stewardship list in June 2013
    
  • 
    opening the first application round for voluntary product stewardship accreditation
    
  • 
    supporting consideration by environment ministers of submissions in response to the Packaging Impacts Consultation Regulation Impact Statement. Ministers committed to development of a decision regulation impact statement which will provide a more detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the options.
    
• 
  In August 2012 an industry–government working group finalised guidelines for a voluntary industry-led tyre product stewardship scheme that aims to increase recycling of end-of-life tyres in Australia. The end-of-life tyre product stewardship scheme received Australian Competition and Consumer Commission authorisation in April 2013. The scheme is expected to commence in 2013–14.
  
• 
  Environment ministers agreed to the release of a consultation regulatory impact statement on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) chemical reforms under Outcome 16 of the National Partnership Agreement to Deliver a Seamless National Economy. The regulatory impact statement, publicly released in April 2013, aligns with Strategy 12 of the National Waste Policy. Extensive consultation was conducted with the community, industry and government, including through public forums held in capital cities.
  
• 
  Environment ministers agreed to release a consultation regulatory impact statement on reducing emissions from wood heaters. The regulatory impact statement was publicly released in April 2013. Extensive consultation was conducted with the community, industry and government, including through public forums held in capital cities and regional areas. Work will continue in 2013–14.
  
• 
  The department represented Australia at the ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the conferences of the parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in Geneva, Switzerland, in April 2013. Australia participated in key discussions on the listing of the chemical flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) as a persistent organic pollutant under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (the Stockholm Convention).
  
• 
  The department managed and coordinated the Australian Government’s engagement with the negotiation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. In January 2013 the international community agreed that a final text for a new convention on mercury would be opened for signature by countries in October 2013. This is an important step in managing this potent neurotoxin.
  
• 
  The department commenced an independent review of the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000, including an assessment of the framework and benefit entitlements of the Product Stewardship for Oil Scheme. An issues paper was released in March 2013 for public consultation to seek feedback from stakeholders on issues that should be considered by the independent reviewers.
  
• 
  The Suburban Jobs Program provides a practical demonstration of place-centred policies to enhance community sustainability. Following a competitive grant round, funding was awarded in 2012–13 to three successful Suburban Jobs program projects which were announced to support local employment opportunities. Funding will be provided to these projects over three years (from 2012–13 to 2014–15).
  
  • 
    The University of Western Sydney will receive $13.5 million to support the $29.5 million Werrington Park Corporate Centre in Penrith, New South Wales.
    
  • 
    Melton City Council will receive $14.6 million towards the establishment of the $21 million Western Business Accelerator and Centre for Excellence in Melton, Victoria.
    
  • 
    The City of Playford will receive $11.3 million for the $15.3 million Stretton Centre in Playford, South Australia.
    
• 
  A set of sustainability indicators for Australia covering social, environmental and economic dimensions was announced by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities in October 2012.
  
• 
  A National Sustainability Council was established in October 2012 as a source of independent expert advice on sustainability issues and to report publicly against the sustainability indicators for Australia.
  
• 
  The National Sustainability Council’s first public report against the sustainability indicators was released in May 2013. The report, Sustainable Australia Report 2013—Conversations with the Future, provides an evidence base for decision making and planning by governments, businesses, communities and individuals.
  

Strategies

The department’s work to reduce waste generation, improve the quality of the environment and pursue sustainability is achieved by:

• 
  leading and promoting national approaches to environmental issues
  
• 
  national legislation and policy delivery
  
• 
  engagement on international agreements.
  

Leading and promoting national approaches

The National Waste Policy: Less waste, more resources

The National Waste Policy provides a strategic framework for addressing waste management issues and resource recovery to 2020. The policy was agreed by environment ministers in November 2009 and endorsed by COAG in October 2010.

The National Waste Policy provides the basis for strong collaboration among stakeholders to deliver effective approaches to national waste issues, to avoid the generation of waste, reduce the amount of waste for disposal, and manage waste as a resource to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits. Implementation of the policy means that all wastes, including hazardous wastes, will be managed in a way that is consistent with Australia’s international obligations and the protection of human health and the environment.

The National Waste Policy sets six key directions:

1. 
   taking responsibility
   
2. 
   improving the market
   
3. 
   pursuing sustainability
   
4. 
   reducing hazard and risk
   
5. 
   tailoring solutions
   
6. 
   providing the evidence.
   

Sixteen priority strategies that build on these key directions have been identified to:

• 
  govern work that would benefit from a national or coordinated approach
  
• 
  provide focus on work occurring in individual jurisdictions
  
• 
  complement existing activity.
  

On behalf of the Australian Government, the department is progressing the strategies in collaboration with the states and territories.

The National Waste Policy Implementation Report 2012–2013 reports progress and achievements under the policy between January 2012 and June 2013.

Protection of the ozone layer and management of synthetic greenhouse gases

As part of the Clean Energy Future Plan, the department implemented an equivalent carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases from 1 July 2012. This was achieved through amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. Synthetic greenhouse gases are often used to replace ozone-depleting substances that have been, or are being, phased out under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol). These synthetic greenhouse gases are controlled under the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). While these particular gases do not deplete the ozone layer, they have high global warming potential relative to carbon dioxide.

In 2012–13 the department developed a program to provide additional incentives for the destruction of waste synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances, which commenced on 1 July 2013.

The department works closely with Australian industry and international governments to promote the responsible use of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases to minimise their effect on the atmosphere. This work includes meeting Australia’s obligation to phase out ozone depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol and reduce the emissions of synthetic greenhouse gases under the Kyoto Protocol.

Chemicals reform agenda

In 2012–13 the department, on behalf of the Standing Council on Environment and Water, progressed the implementation of the reform agenda arising from the COAG response to recommendations in the Productivity Commission’s 2008 report on chemicals and plastics regulation.

The department is working with the states and territories to address the need to implement a set of national and consistent risk management standards to address the environmental risks associated with industrial chemicals. This will give environment ministers greater ability to manage the environmental impacts of chemicals.

The department released a consultation regulation impact statement in April 2013 which explores options for developing and implementing national risk management standards of industrial chemicals. The consultation period closed on 28 June 2013 and the department will develop and present the Decision Regulation Impact Statement in 2014.

National legislation and policy delivery

Ozone protection

The department administers the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 which places controls on the manufacture, import and export of all ozone depleting substances and their synthetic greenhouse gas replacements. Controls are also placed on imports of equipment containing ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases, including refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 enables Australia to meet its obligations under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (Vienna Convention), the Montreal Protocol, the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

Product stewardship

The Product Stewardship Act 2011 delivers on a key commitment by the Australian Government under the National Waste Policy. Product stewardship is the approach to reducing the environmental, health and safety impacts of products by encouraging or requiring manufacturers, importers, distributors and consumers to take responsibility for products throughout their life cycle, including at end of life. The Product Stewardship Act 2011 establishes a national framework to support voluntary product stewardship arrangements, industry and government co-regulatory arrangements and mandatory product stewardship schemes.

A priority in 2012–13 was to develop and implement voluntary product stewardship arrangements under the Product Stewardship Act 2011. The Product Stewardship (Voluntary Arrangements) Instrument 2012 and the Product Stewardship Regulation 2012 came into effect in November 2012. These arrangements will support the Australian Government when assessing organisations that voluntarily seek product stewardship accreditation. Applications for voluntary product stewardship arrangements opened in June 2013.

End-of-life televisions and computers became the first products regulated under the co-regulatory provisions in November 2011. The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme launched its first collection point in May 2012. In the first target year of 2012–13 the scheme achieved 100 per cent compliance from liable parties and delivered 482 collection services across Australia. These are the first steps towards ensuring that end-of-life televisions and computers are diverted from landfill.

The Product Stewardship Advisory Group was established in November 2012 under provisions included in the Product Stewardship Act 2011. The group represents a mix of industry and environment experts and will advise the minister on classes of products to be considered for either accreditation or regulation under the Act. The first list of product classes was published on the department’s website in June 2013.

Hazardous waste

The department administers the export, import and transit of hazardous waste through the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989. The process under this Act for granting permits ensures that the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes is dealt with in an environmentally sound manner, both within and outside of Australia.

National Pollutant Inventory

The National Pollutant Inventory was established under the National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure 1998 to provide a database to inform the community, industry and government of the sources, types and amounts of pollutants emitted to air, water and land in Australia. The department hosts the inventory and works with states and territories to publish emissions data annually from industrial facilities such as mines, power stations and factories and other sources such as households and transport-related sources.

The National Pollutant Inventory now contains 14 years of data and publishes annual industry emission data by the statutory date of 31 March. The inventory includes emission estimates for 93 toxic substances that have been identified as important due to their possible effect on human health and the environment, and the source and location of these emissions.

Chemical assessments

The department prepares scientific assessments and management advice for the Australian Government regulators, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority on the environmental impacts of new and existing chemicals and veterinary medicines. In 2012–2013 the department completed risk assessments for 238 chemicals.

Biotechnology and nanotechnology

The department assesses the environmental safety of biological products and genetically modified organisms, and provides advice to the minister. Based on this advice the minister then advises the Gene Technology Regulator under the Gene Technology Act 2000, administered by the Department of Health and Ageing. In 2012–13 the department completed six assessments of genetically modified organisms.

Fuel quality

The department administers the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000, which places an obligation on the fuel industry, including fuel suppliers, to supply fuels that meet strict environmental requirements. Fuel quality standards have been made for petrol, diesel, biodiesel, liquefied petroleum gas (autogas) and ethanol E85. Fuel quality information labelling standards have also been made for ethanol (in petrol) and ethanol E85. The E85 standard commenced on 1 November 2012 and ensures optimum vehicle and environmental performance of the fuel and labelling at the point of sale.

The department is currently considering introducing a fuel quality standard for diesel blended with up to 20 per cent biodiesel (B20) automotive fuel under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000. In 2012–2013 comment was sought from stakeholders on the technical considerations and labelling requirements for the proposed B20 standard.

The department undertakes fuel sampling nationally to monitor the quality of fuels sold in Australia and ensure compliance with the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000. Through this program fuel samples are taken throughout the fuel supply chain, including at service stations.

Used oil

Every year about 600 million litres of used petroleum-based oil is sold in Australia. The department manages the Product Stewardship for Oil Program for the environmental sustainable management and re-refining of used oil and its re-use under the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000.

The Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 establishes a levy–benefit system, which is currently 5.449 cents per litre of new oil (or kilogram for greases). This levy on new oil is used to fund benefit payments to used oil recyclers. These arrangements provide incentives to increase used oil recycling in Australia and to keep it from entering the environment.

Engagement on international agreements

The department leads Australia’s participation in a number of international agreements (see Table 1) that seek to minimise the impacts from hazardous chemicals and hazardous wastes. Australia has been an active and constructive participant in multilateral meetings held during 2012–13.

Australia has been a signatory to the Montreal Protocol since 1989 and has met or exceeded all of its phase-down obligations under the protocol. In 2012–13 the department worked with the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education to establish the Australian position on amendment proposals to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are often used as a substitute for other synthetic greenhouse gases or ozone depleting substances already controlled by the Montreal Protocol. The proposals will be discussed at the next meeting of parties, due to be held in Bangkok in October 2013.

A key priority for the department during 2012–13 has been working on treaty-making requirements for the Minamata Convention on Mercury. In January 2013 it was agreed that an international convention on mercury would be developed. The department has been managing and coordinating the Australian Government’s engagement with the negotiation process. The Minamata Convention on Mercury will be available for signature from October 2013. Although it is expected to take several years to enter into force, it is an important step in managing this potent neurotoxin.

In 2009 perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers were added to the Annexes of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The department has commenced preparation of a regulation impact statement and national interest analysis as part of the treaty-making process for PFOS and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. In April and May 2013 the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention agreed to list the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention.

As part of Australia’s efforts as a signatory to the Stockholm Convention, the department has continued to monitor and assess the effects of chemicals in Australia which may have a harmful effect on human health and the environment. Monitoring provides important information on the temporal and long-term trends in POP levels and their behaviour, distribution and transport within Australia. Monitoring continues for a number of chemicals of concern using a range of sophisticated sampling techniques to test for levels of POPs in air, water, soil, dust, flora, fauna and the general population.

Table 1: Major international agreements

Agreement	Purpose
Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal	Management of hazardous wastes
Minamata Convention on Mercury	Management of mercury
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer	Protection of the ozone layer
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade	Management of hazardous chemicals
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants	Management of hazardous chemicals
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management	Management of hazardous chemicals and wastes

Suburban jobs

The Suburban Jobs Program involves the practical demonstration of place-centred policies to enhance community sustainability. Following a competitive grant round, funding was awarded to three successful Suburban Jobs program projects which were announced to support local employment opportunities. Funding will be provided to these projects over three years (from 2012–13 to 2014–15).

The Suburban Jobs Program takes an innovative approach to the pressures faced by communities as a result of rapid growth by addressing economic development, planning and infrastructure, education and training, ‘liveability’ and amenity concerns. The program was designed to support the strategic planning undertaken by local and state governments in relation to the growing suburbs of Australia’s major capital cities.

Measuring Sustainability Program (Sustainable Australia Report 2013)

The government announced a set of sustainability indicators for Australia in October 2012. Development of the indicators was informed by consultation across governments, with key stakeholders and experts. The indicators are designed to monitor key stocks of social, natural and economic capital that underpin wellbeing at national and community levels and that need to be maintained over time to ensure the wellbeing of future generations of Australians. The indicators will be reported against publicly every two years.

The National Sustainability Council is an independent expert body that was established in October 2012 to provide advice to government on sustainability issues and deliver public reports against the national sustainability indicators. The council’s role also includes providing targeted advice on sustainability issues at the request of the minister and providing advice on potential improvements to the sustainability indicators over time. The council is made up of leading experts from social, environmental and economic domains and is supported by a secretariat within the department.

The National Sustainability Council’s inaugural report, Sustainable Australia Report 2013—Conversations with the Future, was released by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities in May 2013. The report provides detailed data and analysis against the set of sustainability indicators for Australia and identifies a set of key issues and challenges that need to be taken into account to ensure a sustainable Australia. The report is intended as an evidence base for planning, decision making and discussion by governments, businesses, communities and individuals about Australia’s future.

Evaluation and conclusions

Review of the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 and Regulations

In 2012–13 the department progressed the review of the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 and regulations. This will ensure that Australia effectively and efficiently meets its international obligations and national policy objectives for managing hazardous substances, hazardous wastes and other wastes.

The review has been initiated for a number of reasons. More than a decade has passed since the last review of the Act, during which time there have been significant changes to Australia’s international obligations, domestic legislation and national waste policy objectives. The review also provides an opportunity to consider industry experience with the operation of the Act and regulations since they were last reviewed and whether there are opportunities to reduce regulatory burdens on industry.

An issues paper was released on 14 June 2012 for public consultation to seek feedback from stakeholders on issues that should be addressed in the review. Following consideration of stakeholder feedback the department has prepared a consultation paper, to be released in 2013. The consultation papers undertake a more detailed analysis of issues and seek feedback on possible reforms. A cost-benefit analysis of possible changes to the current preference for domestic recycling over export to appropriate recovery and recycling providers in OECD member countries has been conducted to support the review.

Review of the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000

The third independent review of the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 and relevant provisions of customs and excise legislation commenced in March 2013 and will be completed in 2013. The independent review is being conducted by Professor Neil Byron.

The independent review is examining the operation of the Product Stewardship for Oil scheme and the extent to which the objectives of the Act have been achieved. A consultation paper was released in March 2013 to seek feedback from stakeholders. The outcomes from the review will be tabled in 2013–14.

Results for Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators

Program 2.1: Management of Hazardous Wastes, Substances and Pollutants

Deliverables	2012–13 Results
Progress implementation of the product stewardship legislative framework.	Implementation was progressed. The Product Stewardship Act 2011 commenced on 8 August 2011. It provides a national legislative framework for product stewardship. In November 2012 the Product Stewardship (Voluntary Arrangements) Instrument 2012 and the Product Stewardship Regulation 2012 came into effect, which supports the accreditation of voluntary product stewardship arrangements. The regulation specifies the application fees for the accreditation of voluntary product stewardship arrangements. Section 108B of the Act establishes the Product Stewardship Advisory Group. The advisory group was established to advise the minister on the annual list of classes of products for potential consideration, during the next financial year, for some form of accreditation or regulation under the Act. In June 2013 the Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water published the first annual product list. This list considered advice provided by the advisory group.
Progress the implementation of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, including recycling targets.	Implementation was progressed. Three approved co-regulatory arrangements were operational in the first target period under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme and a further two arrangements were approved during the year. The response of television and computer importers and manufacturers was positive, with 100 per cent of liable parties meeting their obligations in 2012–13. At 30 June 2013, 482 television and computer collection services had been delivered around Australia, including 388 ongoing services and 94 short-term recycling events. Co-regulatory arrangements are on track to deliver reasonable access to collection services across Australia by December 2013.
Applying an equivalent carbon price to import and manufacture synthetic greenhouse gases, as part of the Clean Energy Future Package.	This was achieved. From 1 July 2012, the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and related legislation placed an equivalent carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases and equipment containing these gases.
Administering national legislation covering product stewardship, fuel quality standards, the disposal and re-use of used petroleum based oil, national environment protection measures, the export, import and transit of hazardous waste and the import, manufacture, use and destruction of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.	Work is ongoing. The department administered national legislation covering: Product stewardship, including the Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulations 2011, to effectively manage the environmental, health and safety impacts of products and, in particular, the impacts associated with the disposal of products. The Product Stewardship for Oil program, which is an economic incentives package for the disposal and re-use of used petroleum-based oil. Fuel quality standards for petrol, automotive diesel, biodiesel, liquefied petroleum gas (autogas) and a new fuel quality standard for ethanol (E85). Hazardous waste, through regulation of the export, import and transit of hazardous waste to ensure that transboundary movements are managed in an environmentally sound manner. Controls on the import, export, manufacture, acquisition, use, storage, handling and disposal of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases, including a destruction incentives program, which will commence on 1 July 2013.
Fulfilling Australia’s obligations under international agreements on waste and hazardous substances, hazardous chemicals, synthetic greenhouses gases, and ozone depleting substances.	Work is ongoing. The department fulfilled its international obligations for: Hazardous waste through administration of national legislation regulating the export, import and transit of hazardous waste to ensure that transboundary movements are managed in an environmentally sound manner. Hazardous chemicals by: finalising negotiations on a legally binding instrument to reduce the adverse impacts of mercury administering the Prior Informed Consent procedure under the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (Rotterdam Convention) for chemicals in international trade and monitoring the levels of persistent organic pollutants in the environment as part of the effectiveness evaluation for the Stockholm Convention. Synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol. Imports of ozone depleting substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol in 2012–13 were 59.29 ozone depleting potential (ODP) tonnes (39.73 ODP tonnes of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and 19.56 ODP tonnes of methyl bromide) compared with Australia’s Montreal Protocol limit of 157.223 ODP tonnes.
Leading work with the states and territories to establish an environmental standards setting body under COAG reforms for chemicals relating to better environment protection and management.	Work is ongoing. The COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water released a consultation regulation impact statement on options for a standards setting body to manage the environmental risks of industrial chemicals on 11 April 2013. The consultation regulation impact statement was open for comment until 28 June 2013, with a number of public forums held in state capital cities.
Contributing to work led by the states and territories in the development of national air pollutant emission reduction strategies and the evidence base to support these strategies.	Work is ongoing. In 2012–13, the department worked with states and territories on a National Plan for Clean Air, which is being developed by the COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water for consideration by COAG. This plan will introduce a new strategic national approach for air quality that integrates air quality standard setting and actions to reduce pollution. It will also respond to the recommendations of the review of the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure, released in September 2011. The department has contributed to the development of the national plan by supporting the work of the Standing Council on Environment and Water and its subcommittees in the analysis of cost-effective emission and exposure reduction actions to reduce air pollution. In particular, the department is leading two Standing Council on Environment and Water emissions reductions projects: non-road spark ignition engine and equipment emissions (NRSIEE) and wood heater smoke emissions. A NRSIEE consultation summary report was published on the Standing Council on Environment and Water website in November 2012. A consultation regulatory impact statement for reducing emissions from wood heaters was released by the Standing Council on Environment and Water on 11 April 2013 for public consultation. The closing date for submissions on the statement was 15 July 2013.
Providing advice to the statutory regulators on the risk and environmental impacts of the trial and release of genetically modified organisms, nanomaterials, chemicals and biological products.	This was achieved. 244 risk assessments with risk management recommendations and ad hoc professional advice provided to the statutory regulators.
Administer the National Pollutant Inventory and annual publication of previous year’s data set by 31 March.	This was achieved. The annual update of National Pollutant Inventory data was published on 2 April 2013. The delay was due to a system-wide computer fault. Development work was conducted on reporting systems and technical manuals that guide industry were updated.

Key Performance Indicators	2012–13 Results
The National Pollutant Inventory contributes to managing pollution by monitoring, measuring and publicly reporting the quantities of 93 substances emitted by industry and providing estimates of emissions from households and motor vehicles.	This was achieved. The annual update of National Pollutant Inventory facility data means that the National Pollutant Inventory now includes 14 years of pollutant data covering more than 4300 facilities.
Placing an equivalent carbon price on imports and manufacture of synthetic greenhouse gases through the Clean Energy Future Package from 1 July 2012 encourages industry and consumers to reduce global warming emissions from these gases.	This was achieved. Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and related legislation, synthetic greenhouse gases manufactured in or imported into Australia attract a levy based on their equivalent carbon price. This applies to hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride and equipment containing these gases. Eleven case studies on industry innovation following the introduction of the equivalent carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases are available on the department’s website.
The Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulations result in importers and manufacturers of televisions, computers, printers and computer products achieving a recycling target of 30 per cent in 2012–13.	The regulations provide that a report on performance against the recycling target will be given to the minister by 30 October each year. The department will publish the performance data after this date. The recycling target at 28 June 2013 was 41 399 tonnes. Any excess recycling or any shortfall can be carried forward by the co-regulatory arrangements and either subtracted from or added to the 2013–14 recycling target.

Key Performance Indicators (continued)	2012–13 Budget Target	2012–13 Results
Used oil recovered for re-use over a 3-year average under the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 (megalitres).	>250	264
Number of site visits undertaken to test fuel samples as part of the compliance program under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000.	650	944
Number of assessments of chemicals and genetically modified organisms undertaken.	Approx. 250	Completed risk assessments for 238 chemicals (170 industrial chemicals and 68 ag-vet chemicals) and six genetically modified organisms.
Percentage of licences and permits to control import and export of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases issued within statutory timeframes.	100	100%

Program 2.2: Sustainable Communities

Deliverables	2012–13 Results
Entering into funding agreements with successful local and state government grant applicants and commence implementation of Suburban Jobs projects.	Announcement of successful applicants was made in July and September 2012. Funding agreements were executed with the University of Western Sydney (New South Wales), Melton City Council (Victoria), and the City of Playford (South Australia) by November 2012. All projects are underway.
Identifying and promoting a set of headline sustainability indicators that will track progress of key economic, social and environmental factors over time through regular public reporting against the indicators; and development of an online directory of sustainability information (to be available by 2013), including links to existing sustainability data and reports by Australian Government agencies.	A set of sustainability indicators for Australia covering economic, social and environmental domains was announced by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities in October 2012. A public report against indicators was released in May 2013. Work on the online directory will be a focus in the second half of 2013.

Key Performance Indicators	2012–13 Results
A set of sustainability indicators publicly reported.	The first public report against the indicators was released on 9 May 2013.