The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Authority) governance framework for the 2018–19 reporting period is based on the legislative requirements of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and the Public Service Act 1999.

The Authority reports to the Minister for the Environment. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Board (Authority Board) oversees the Authority, which is structured into four branches:

• Reef Strategy
• Reef Protection
• Reef Engagement
• Corporate Services

The Authority uses the best available scientific information to guide its work and engages with experts and the community, including two Reef Advisory Committees and 12 Local Marine Advisory Committees.

The Authority’s main office is in Townsville, with regional offices in Cairns, Mackay, Gladstone and Rockhampton to ensure a close connection with those communities. An office in Canberra provides a key liaison function with the Minister’s office, the Department of the Environment and Energy, and other Australian Government agencies. A small office in Brisbane provides a liaison function with Queensland Government partners, particularly the Office of the Great Barrier Reef.