Why we do site inspections
Site inspections are carried out by authorised officers from the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA).
We may contact you to understand activities occurring on your property and whether they comply with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
If a site visit is required
Sometimes we need to inspect a site to better understand what activities have occurred.
If this is needed, an authorised officer will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
Who are authorised officers
Authorised officers are appointed under the EPBC Act and monitor compliance with the EPBC Act and investigate possible non-compliance.
You can identify an authorised officer by their identity card.
An authorised Officer will:
- carry an identity card and tell you their name
- tell you who they work for
- explain why they are there
- explain the powers they will use while on your property
- undertake work lawfully and transparently
- respect property and biosecurity rules
- work with you to ensure the inspection is conducted efficiently.
Can an authorised officer enter my property?
An authorised officer may enter your property where:
- you give consent, or
- they hold a warrant that allows entry without consent.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- refuse consent to enter your property
- ask to see an authorised officer’s identity card
- be present (or have a representative present) during an inspection
- withdraw your consent at any time. If you do, the authorised officer must leave as soon as reasonably practicable unless they have another lawful authority to remain.
- You may seek legal advice at any stage.
What happens if I give consent?
If you give consent, an authorised officer may:
- inspect and search the property
- take photographs and video recordings, or make sketches
- examine items and take samples
- take measurements or conduct tests
- operate electronic equipment
- bring necessary equipment onto the property
In some cases, an independent expert may attend to assess impacts against published significant impact guidelines under the EPBC Act.
We aim for all interactions to be safe, respectful and professional, and ask that the same courtesy is extended to our officers.
What if I don’t give consent?
If consent is not given, or is withdrawn, an authorised officer must leave the property unless another lawful authority applies. The National EPA may then seek a warrant where permitted under the EPBC Act.
After a site inspection
Following a site inspection, the authorised officer may:
- ask for additional information
- provide relevant information and invite your response
- provide advice to support future compliance
- seek your response before recommending enforcement action
- issue a warning letter
- advise whether any further action is proposed.
How we use your information
Information you provide is used to:
- understand your activities and potential impacts
- inform whether further assessment or inspection is needed
- assess compliance and determine whether a breach has occurred
- guide follow‑up actions, advice or enforcement decisions
- improve monitoring and compliance programs.
We only collect information reasonably necessary to perform our functions under the EPBC Act.
Complaints
If you have any concerns about the conduct of an authorised officer or the way a compliance matter has been handled, you can provide feedback or make a complaint through the website: Contact us
Who else can I talk to
Email: epbc.compliance@nationalepa.gov.au
Phone: 1800 110 395
Website: Contact us
Should you wish to obtain your own independent advice you can seek information from peak industry representative bodies or seek independent legal advice.