Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water explained

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is a department of the Australian Government. The department was established on 1 July 2022, superseding the water and environment functions from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and energy functions from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.^{[1] [2] [3]}

The inaugural head of the department is the Secretary, David Fredericks.^[4] In July 2025 Anthony Albanese announced the appointment of Mike Kaiser as Secretary. ^[5]

Operational activities

In an Administrative Arrangements Order made on 13 May 2025, the functions of the department were broadly classified into the following matters:^[6]

• Environment protection and conservation of biodiversity
• Air quality
• Land contamination
• Waste programs
• Management of Industrial Chemicals
• Meteorology
• Administration of the Australian Antarctic Territory, and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
• Natural, built and cultural heritage
• Environmental information and research
• Ionospheric prediction
• Water policy and resources
• Environmental water use and resources relating to the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
• National water infrastructure investment
• Development and co-ordination of domestic community and household climate action
• Climate change adaptation strategy and co-ordination
• Co-ordination of climate change science activities
• Development and co-ordination of international climate change policy
• International climate change negotiations
• Greenhouse emissions and energy consumption reporting
• Greenhouse gas abatement programmes
• Energy policy
• National energy market, including electricity, gas and liquid fuels
• National fuel quality standards
• Renewable energy
• Renewable energy target policy, regulation and co-ordination
• Renewable energy technology development
• Industrial energy efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Energy-specific international obligations and activities
• Carbon management technologies policies and programs

See also

• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Administrative Arrangements Order made on 23 June 2022. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 23 June 2022.
2. Web site: Administrative Arrangements Order made on 1 June 2022. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 49,50. 1 June 2022.
3. Web site: Albanese government restores abolished environment department but avoids major public service overhaul. ABC News. 2 June 2022.
4. Web site: Announcement of Department Secretaries. Prime Minister of Australia. 22 June 2022. 30 June 2022.
5. Web site: Secretary appointment. Prime Minister of Australia. 8 July 2025. 8 July 2025.
6. Web site: Administrative Arrangements Order - 13 May 2025 . . 22 June 2022 . 22 June 2022.