71AFunctions of the Secretary

71A Functions of the Secretary

(1) The functions of the Secretary are—

(a) to advise the Minister on the operation and administration of marine pollution legislation; and

(b) to ensure adequate means exist in ports to enable an effective response to marine pollution incidents within ports; and

S. 71A(1)(c) amended by No. 25/2025 s. 64(1).

(c) to take action to deal with marine pollution incidents originating from a maritime source, where the incident is in State waters that are not port waters; and

S. 71A(1)(ca) inserted by No. 25/2025 s. 64(2).

(ca) if requested, to take action to support other entities to deal with marine pollution incidents that do not originate from a maritime source; and

S. 71A(1)(cb) inserted by No. 25/2025 s. 64(2).

(cb) to take action to prevent and deal with prohibited discharges from any place on land; and

(d) after consultation with the Environment Protection Authority, to develop, review, co‑ordinate and administer the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.

(2) Without derogating from any other functions or powers of the Secretary under any other Act, the Secretary may do all things that are necessary or convenient to enable him or her to carry out his or her functions under this Act, including the powers specified in section 71B.

S. 71B inserted by No. 78/2011 s. 47, substituted by No. 66/2012 s. 23.