The nations of the Antarctic Treaty System (which includes Australia) agreed in 1991 on a 'Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty'(called the Madrid Protocol). Australia ratified the protocol in 1994, and it came into force in 1998.

Under the Madrid Protocol, Antarctica is designated as a natural reserve dedicated to peace and the environment, and environmental principles are laid down for planning and conducting all activities. Any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research, is banned, and all activities must be assessed for their environmental impact before they can be undertaken.