Registered Auditors
A registered auditor is a suitably qualified and independent person who has been assessed and approved by the National EPA​ ​under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to carry out regulatory audits of prescribed activities. Registered auditors can be engaged by audited persons or directly by us to audit a range of activities under the EPBC Act.
Types of audits registered auditors can conduct
Directed environmental audits
A directed environmental audit may be required if the CEO of the National EPA reasonably suspects that a contravention, or likely contravention, of the EPBC Act has occurred.
If appointed by an audited person, a registered auditor is required to conduct an audit in accordance with the notice issued by us. Under the EPBC Act 1999, subsection 458, notice may provide for:
- an evaluation of the nature of the environment that is or will be affected by the activities to which the environmental authority, environmental exemption or environmental order is relevant
- an assessment of the risks to the environment resulting from those activities
- an assessment of the person’s existing capacity, in carrying on those activities, to comply with:
- any conditions of the authority—for an environmental authority
- the order—for an environmental order
- the requirements of the EPBC Act and the regulations—in any case.
We will work with the audited person and the selected registered auditor to complete a directed environmental audit.
Compliance audits
The CEO may require a compliance audit of activities listed in Section 462 of the EPBC Act. Compliance audits may assess a range of activities covered by an environmental authority (approval), environmental exemption, or other types of environmental orders.
If engaged directly by us, a registered auditor may conduct a compliance audit and will be required to report back to us.
Eligibility to become a registered auditor
Anyone can apply to be a registered auditor if they meet the skills and qualifications set out in the EPBC Regulations 2025. Relevant skills and qualifications considered include:
- university qualifications (i.e. relevant bachelor’s degrees, Master’s, PhD or equivalent)
- knowledge of environmental laws and environmental auditing
- experience (within the last 5 years) conducting environmental audits
- accreditation/registration under other Commonwealth, State or Territory environmental laws
- ability to carry out compliance audits and prepare clear, accurate reports.
We will also verify that registered auditors:
- have no history of fraud or dishonesty offences or penalties
- are not under investigation by, or subject to disciplinary action from, any professional or auditing body.
How to apply
Interested parties must apply to us and go through an approval process that includes an assessment of the applicant’s experience, qualifications and their suitability to be a registered auditor.
Complete the application form.
Registration fees
No fees or charges are currently applicable to submit an application to become a Registered Auditor.
From 1 July 2027, fees and charges may apply for new registrations or renewals.
Engaging a registered auditor
To engage the services of a registered auditor you can contact them directly using the contact details listed in the Register below.
Register of auditors
The National EPA has established a register of auditors in accordance with Section 462G of the EPBC Act. Auditors are assessed by the National EPA to verify their qualifications, experience and suitability to conduct audits under the EPBC Act.
Registered auditors may perform:
- Directed environmental audits as appointed by the audited person
- Compliance audits as initiated by the National EPA.
| Name and contact details | ID Number | Organisation and contact | Date registered | Servicing | Registration expiry date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No auditors are currently registered. |
Contact us
For further information, please contact us:
- email: audit@nationalepa.gov.au
- general enquiry phone number: 1800 976 422.
Application form
Auditors wishing to participate in our registered auditor program must complete the application form and submit it to audit@nationalepa.gov.au.
Download
Application for registration as an environmental auditor (PDF 386 KB)
Application for registration as an environmental auditor (DOCX 95 KB)