Any allegations of, or incidents relating to, non-compliance with permit

ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 15 • a structured risk management framework to assess and manage compliance risks has been implemented; • an effective risk-based compliance program to communicate regulatory requirements and to monitor compliance with permit conditions and regulatory objectives has been implemented; and • arrangements to manage non-compliance are effective.

14. The ANAO examined GBRMPA’s assessment of Marine Park permit

applications, monitoring of permit holders’ compliance and response to permit holders’ non-compliance. 14 The ANAO did not examine GBRMPA’s other regulatory activities, such as the FMCU’s investigation and enforcement activities associated with: activities not subject to a permit; the state marine park; or permits and licenses granted under state legislation. Overall conclusion

15. GBRMPA assesses approximately 400 permit applications each year

and, at any one time, GBRMPA and its partner agencies under the Joint Field Management Program are responsible for monitoring the compliance of approximately 1300 permit holders with their permit conditions and taking appropriate enforcement action in response to identified non-compliance. Over the period July 2012 to June 2014, GBRMPA assessed 76 reported breaches of Marine Park permit conditions approximately five per cent of all recorded breach incidents 15 and conducted 59 investigations.

16. In relation to the regulation of permits, identified shortcomings in

GBRMPA’s regulatory processes and, more particularly, its regulatory practices have undermined the effectiveness of the permitting system as a means of managing risks to the Marine Park. These shortcomings were identified across a broad range of GBRMPA’s regulatory activities, including its assessment of permit applications, monitoring of permit holder compliance and response to non-compliance. 14 The ANAO selected samples of GBRMP permit application assessments and current permits over the period from July 2012 to June 2014. The samples, which equated to 10 per cent of permit application assessments and current permits, were broadly selected in proportion with 12 key parameters of the respective populations. In addition, the ANAO examined all ‘breach of permit’ enforcement actions over the period from July 2012 to June 2014. 15 Most non-compliance incidents and investigations relate to breaches of state fishing permits and licences or for activities not subject to a permit.