National Programs and Standards
The Australian Government operates informative, educational and incentive programs that aim to improve air quality. A number of national standards for air quality have also been established and adopted or are under development. These standards aim to deal with the threat that air pollution poses to human health. Implementation is mainly the responsibility of State, Territory and local governments.
National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs)
The Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) 
develops National Envrionment Protection Measures on air quality and other matters. See their website for more information.
- Ambient Air Quality NEPM 1998
The Air NEPM sets standards to protect human health for six common air pollutants which are indicative of general ambient air quality. - Variation to the Ambient Air Quality NEPM on PM2.5
In May 2003 a Variation was made to the Air NEPM to require standardised monitoring of PM2.5 particles.
- Diesel Emissions NEPM
Emissions from motor vehicles constitute the most significant source of urban air pollution in Australia. The purpose of this Measure is to provide a framework for the management of emissions from the in-service diesel fleet. - National Pollutant Inventory NEPM
The NPI is a means of collecting and providing improved information to governments and the community on the emission of hazardous substances to the environment. - Air Toxics NEPM 2004
An approach for developing future standards on air toxics and providing a nationally consistent framework for monitoring and reporting on air toxics.
AirWatch Program (2000 - 2003)
AirWatch was a national air quality education programme which operated in Tasmania between 2000 and 2003. The programme aimed to develop environmental awareness in students, specifically in air pollution. Currently, the Environment Division is looking into another schools programme based on the AirWatch material which will hopefully be adopted by several schools.
Further Information
For further information, please contact:
Senior Policy Officer
Environment Division
134 Macquarie Street
HOBART TAS 7000
Phone: 03 6233 4028
Fax: 03 6233 6800
Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au
