The agency’s governance framework has its foundation in the ASEA Act, which established the agency and its functions, and the appointment of a CEO to ensure the agency performs these functions. The functions of the agency are set out in section 1 (Agency Overview) of this report.

The CEO is appointed by the Minister by written instrument for a period not exceeding five years and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the agency. The CEO ensures the agency achieves its performance objectives in accordance with the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness 2014–18 and the policies, programs and performance requirements set out for internal governance purposes.

Agency staff members are responsible for ensuring that the CEO is provided with all necessary information to perform their management responsibilities and to keep the council briefed on agency operations.

The CEO is accountable to the Minister for Employment through the ASEA Act and the Minister for Finance in relation to the PGPA Act, which was the relevant legislation during the 2017–18 year.

The ASEA Act also established the council to provide guidance to the CEO about the performance of the agency’s functions and provide advice to the Minister regarding asbestos safety. The functions of the council are set out in section 2 (Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council) of this report.