The object of the Air quality Act (AQA) is to improve air quality and prevent air pollution through a number of measures, including setting standards for monitoring, managing and controlling air quality, and establishing fines and penalties for people who do not comply with the Act.

The AQA requires the establishment of a national framework for achieving the object of the Act and the adoption of national, provincial and local standards for ambient air quality. Ambient air refers to outdoor air and so excludes indoor air. Importantly, the AQA makes the management of air quality the responsibility of local government through air quality management plans, pollution prevention plans, by-laws and other policies.