Established in 1971, EPA is the state’s independent environmental regulator and responsible for preventing the harmful effects of pollution and waste on Victorian communities and the environment.
We draw on world-class scientific and regulatory expertise and works closely with governments, community, business and industry.
We're a dedicated group of people working and growing together to create solutions that are better for the environment, better for people and better for business.
This important work needs people who want to contribute to a liveable place – now and into the future. If you’re inspired by that, EPA is the place for you.
Our purpose
Protecting the health of our communities and environment.
Strength meets flexibility
At EPA, we've carefully designed to make sure we have the right capabilities in the right places and we’re responsive and agile when dealing with changes to our priorities and external environment.
Take a look at our functions to get a better understanding of the various divisions and branches and the many ways you can have an impact.
Our Strategy Division defines and drives the regulatory direction, strategic priorities, and capability of EPA, and leads the organisation through changes in the regulatory and policy landscape. It also provides advice and puts in place regulatory instruments and guidance material to support business, community and government to comply with environmental laws.
Our Operations Division leads EPA’s frontline regulatory response to detect, prevent and investigate harm to the environment and human health from pollution and waste. We do this by engagement and education; inspections and monitoring; surveillance and investigations; and enforcing duty holders to comply with the law.
Our Science Division is a critical enabler of regulatory excellence at EPA, delivering innovative and targeted scientific advice to support strategy and policy development, and strategic and operational decision making about how we prevent and regulate environmental and human health harm. We comprise both the Environmental Sciences Branch and the Environmental Public Health Branch.
Our Corporate Services Division defines and drives the corporate, people, finance and information technology priorities for EPA, and importantly plays a key role in enabling high performance in the delivery of regulatory functions. We partner across the organisation to understand and meet operational requirements, supporting and enabling our people to be at their best in preventing harm to Victorian communities and the environment from pollution and waste.
Our Quality Branch is responsible for driving and enabling the quality of regulatory and enterprise decision making and operations through an independent quality and assurance function that works across the EPA.
Our Legal Branch is EPA’s legal centre of expertise, responsible for defining and overseeing legal policies and processes, providing legal advice and support on regulation and enforcement matters, and for managing EPA’s legal obligations, including privacy and freedom of information.
Our Public Affairs Branch is responsible for ensuring that effective communications, engagement with communities, government and industry are a critical component of EPA’s regulatory approach. We promote understanding and compliance with the environment protection laws and increase awareness of the role of EPA as Victoria’s environmental regulator.