Environmental crime
Environmental crime covers a wide range of Commonwealth offences, including:
- environmental pollution, such as illegal waste disposal or oil dumping
- illegal fishing
- illegal trade in endangered species and plants.
Some environmental crime has links to transnational serious and organised crime. It can often go hand-in-hand with other offences, such as:
- corruption
- money laundering
- murder
- passport fraud.
Australia is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This aims to ensure international trade in wild animals and plants doesn't threaten the survival of any species.
Our role in protecting the environment
We take a lead role in investigating serious or complex environmental crime. This includes offences that may have a significant impact on Australia's:
- World Heritage sites
- National Heritage sites
- Commonwealth marine areas
- wetlands of international importance
- threatened and migratory species
- nuclear activities (including uranium mining).
We work with state and territory governments to protect our unique land, animals and ecosystems, and enforce the law. If an environmental crime doesn't breach a Commonwealth law, then state and territory agencies would normally investigate.
We also work with other national bodies, including:
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Reporting environmental crime
If you suspect someone of committing an environmental crime, let us know by:
- filling out our Report a crime form
- contacting Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000. Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.
For suspected breaches of Australian environmental law: