Antarctic Treaty Environment Protection Act 1980

The ATEP Act is a Commonwealth Act that applies within the Australian Antarctic Territory, and to Australian citizens, organisations and property. It addresses three main issues:

1. the Conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, including the specification of permits and specially protected areas
2. Environmental Impact Assessment
3. Inspectors and Offences

It contains various schedules, amendments, and regulations including

• Antarctic (Environment Protection) Legislation Amendment Act 1992
• Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 1993
• Waste Management Regulations 1994.

The Act also empowers regulations to be made to give effect to the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.

In accordance with the principles of the Madrid Protocol it seeks to ensure Australia's commitment to environmental protection in the Antarctic.