The Australian Minister for the Environment and Energy is the Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP since 19 July 2016. In the Government of Australia, the minister and parliamentary secretary are responsible for the protection and conservation of the environment; to ensure that Australia benefits from meteorological and related sciences and services; and to see that Australia's interests in Antarctica are advanced. The minister provides direction and oversight of the Department of the Environment (previously the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) to develop and implement national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's environment and heritage.