Tourism Australia’s governance arrangements are prescribed by the Tourism Australia Act 2004 (TA Act) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). The TA Act is Tourism Australia’s enabling legislation and sets out the organisation’s specific objectives, functions and powers. The PGPA Act sets out governance and accountability requirements for Commonwealth entities, with an emphasis on planning, performance and risk management.

As a portfolio agency, Tourism Australia must also consider and implement Ministerial Directions and Statements of Expectations issued from time to time by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham.