The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the principal Commonwealth legislation for establishing and managing protected areas. The Director of National Parks is a corporation established under the Act, with the function of managing Commonwealth reserves. The Director is assisted in performing this function by the staff of Parks Australia.Some Commonwealth reserves are managed in conjunction with a Board of Management whilst Management Committees provide advice to the Director on the management of other reserves. Under the EPBC Act, the Director of National Parks is responsible for: the administration, management and control of Commonwealth reserves and conservation zones; the protection, conservation and management of biodiversity and heritage in Commonwealth reserves and conservation zones; consulting and cooperating with other countries with regard to matters relating to the establishment and management of national parks and nature reserves in those countries; provision of training in the knowledge and skills relevant to the establishment and management of national parks and nature reserves; research and investigation relevant to the establishment and management of Commonwealth reserves; making recommendations to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment; and administration of the Australian National Parks Fund.