The ANAO first undertook a performance audit in GBRMPA in 1997, with

ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 40 of relevant stakeholders were sought on GBRMPA’s regulation of Marine Park’s permits and approvals. 44

1.27 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.

1.28 The audit was conducted in accordance with the ANAO Auditing

Standards at a cost to the ANAO of 643 000. Report structure

1.29 The structure of the report is outlined in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Structure of the report Chapter Overview

2. Processing of Permit Applications

Examines the processing of Marine Park permit applications received by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

3. Permit Application Assessment

Examines the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s preparation of permit application assessment reports for the delegate’s consideration. 4. Permit Decisions and Approval Conditions Examines the delegate’s consideration of permit application assessment reports, the conditions attached to issued permits and follow-up of post-approval requirements. 5. Compliance Intelligence and Risk Assessment Examines the compliance intelligence capability and risk assessment processes employed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to assess permit holders’ compliance with conditions attached to permits.

6. Managing Compliance

Examines the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s management of permit holders’ compliance with permit conditions.

7. Responding to Non-compliance

Examines the arrangements established by the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority to respond to non-compliance with permit conditions, including the framework and systems underpinning enforcement. 44 The ANAO contacted permit holders and other stakeholders of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including industry peak bodies, environmental groups, island research stations and relevant Commonwealth and state government partners requesting their views on GBRMPA’s permit assessment, compliance monitoring and enforcement activities. The ANAO received eight responses from permit holders from 152 requests and 17 responses from general stakeholders from 67 requests, as well as two unsolicited responses. ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 41

2. Processing of Permit Applications

This chapter examines the processing of Marine Park permit applications received by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Introduction

2.1 The regulatory framework applying to the Great Barrier Reef Marine

Park provides the basis for GBRMPA to grant permits, with conditions where appropriate, to applicants on the basis of an assessment that the risks posed by the permitted activitiesfacilities can be adequately managed. The ANAO examined GBRMPA’s processing of permit applications and its management of processing requirements. 45 Permit application assessment framework

2.2 The GBRMP Act prohibits the conduct of particular activities in the

Marine Park without a permit granted under the GBRMP Regulations. The Regulations establish administrative arrangements governing the granting and management of permits, for example in relation to: matters to be considered by GBRMPA during the assessment of permit applications; and the form, term and conditions of permits.

2.3 To guide its staff when processing permit applications, GBRMPA has

developed a range of administrative guidance materials to support its issuing of permits in accordance with the Regulations. These materials include: • policy documents and position statements—covering matters such as environmental impact management, tourism, dredge spoil and disposal, structures, scientific research, and aquaculture; • permit application assessment procedures—including in relation to environment assessment and management, processing routine and major project permit applications, a permit assessors’ reference guide and ancillary guidance such as native title notifications and applying the assessment criteria specified in the GBRMP Regulations; and 45 The preparation of assessment reports for the delegate’s consideration and the development of conditions attached to issued permits is examined in Chapters 3 and 4, respectively.