The protection of biodiversity falls under both Commonwealth and State law. Which laws apply will depend on the level of impact an environmentally damaging activity is likely to have, and whether it affects matters of national environmental significance.

In Victoria the Minister for Water, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Parliamentary Secretary for Water and Environment, and the Minister for Planning and Community Development have responsibility over matters which affect Victoria's biodiversity.

Under Commonwealth Law the Minister for Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts has responsibility over matters that relate to the protection of matters of National Environmental Significance, including Australia's heritage.

• Biodiversity protection

• Native vegetation and Victorian planning laws
  

• Victoria's Native Vegetation Management Framework
  

• Forest protection
  

• Other laws which can be used to protect native species
  

• New National Parks Legislation
  

• The Convention on Biological Diversity - overview of Australia's biodiversity protection mechanisms

• Victorian Government - Department of Sustainability and Environment

• Parks Victoria

• Victorian Government - Department of Primary Industries

• Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability in Victoria

• Victorian Government - The Minister for Water - The Hon. Tim Holding MP

• Victorian Government - The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Innovation - The Hon. Gavin Jennings MP

• Victorian Government - The Parliamentary Secretary, Water and Environment - The Hon. Michael Crutchfield MP

• Australian Government - Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

• Australian Government - Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - Information and Contacts for the Department including Ministers

• Australian Government - Minister for Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts

• Environmental impact assessment