Statement of Purpose and Values

Our Vision

Antarctica valued, protected and understood.

Our Charter

To advance Australia's antarctic interests.

Our Responsibilities

We are responsible to the people and Parliament of Australia for-

• leading Australia's Antarctic Program.
• managing Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions.
• conducting antarctic and subantarctic research activities.
• protecting the antarctic environment.
• administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard and McDonald Islands.
• being the primary Australian source of antarctic information.
• providing objective, accurate and high-quality advice to our Minister.
• implementing the decisions of government promptly and conscientiously.

Our Purpose

Goal 1 - We maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence in it by-

• maintaining a strong presence at ATS meetings, taking the lead on issues and developing initiatives for international consideration.
• complying with the requirements of the ATS.
• cooperating with our Antarctic Treaty partners.

Goal 2 - We protect the antarctic environment by-

• developing ways to minimise our impact.
• remediating past work sites.
• undertaking research to ensure that environmental and fisheries management is based on sound scientific principles.

Goal 3 - We seek a better understanding of the role of Antarctica in the global climate systems by-

• contributing to knowledge of global climate systems through the study of ice, water and atmosphere.
• contributing data to the world-s climate research and meteorological communities.

Goal 4 - We undertake and support scientific work of practical, economic and national significance by-

• supporting antarctic research.
• providing data and support for national and international clients.
• conducting research in physical, biological and human science.

Our Shared Values

In doing their job and making decisions, employees of the Australian Antarctic Division will-

• uphold the laws of Australia and the ethical values of the Australian Public Service.
• accept professional responsibility for their part in pursuing AAD corporate goals and be personally accountable for their actions.
• be positive in responding to the needs of the Minister, staff and clients, and be honest, frank and forthright with advice.
• be innovative, receptive to new ideas and responsive to new circumstances.
• strive to improve their skills and knowledge and give of their best to every task.
• be fair, considerate and cooperative in their dealings with others,
  • sharing knowledge and skills,
  • avoiding preferential treatment,
  • respecting others' confidence,
  • supporting others' aspirations,
  • and being alert to others' well-being and safety.
• always consider the impacts of their actions and decisions on the environment and seek the course which causes the least environmental harm.

In performing its functions and making decisions, the organisation will-

• strive for the highest corporate standards in ethics, probity and accountability.
• protect the rights of its employees.
• value and acknowledge its employees' contributions.
• be flexible and receptive to innovation.
• actively foster a culture of high quality work and continuous improvement.
• provide employees with training and development opportunities.
• provide a cooperative, supportive, non-discriminatory and openly consultative working environment.
• take all reasonable measures to ensure that its employees are safe when at work.