Government responds to Climate Change Authority's review of carbon crediting

The Albanese Government continues to further strengthen Australia’s carbon crediting scheme, with the release of its response to the 2023 Climate Change Authority (CCA) review of the scheme.

The CCA review found the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme was performing well and supporting Australia’s net zero transformation.

The Government has agreed fully or agreed in principle to 15 of the CCA’s recommendations to increase participation in the ACCU scheme and ensure its ongoing integrity, with work already underway to implement parts of 12 of the recommendations through implementation of the 2022 Independent Review of ACCUs lead by Professor Chubb.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the Albanese Government is ensuring the continued integrity of Australia’s carbon crediting scheme.

“When introduced in 2011, the ACCU scheme was based on sound science, best practice and independent advice,” Minister Bowen said.

“And thanks to climate policy reforms, science-based improvements and our restoration of the Climate Change Authority, that’s still true today.

“The Albanese Government listens to the expert advice to ensure we are delivering emissions reductions as well as unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower.”

The Government has also responded to the CCA’s 2020 review of the ACCU scheme, which the previous government never finalised. The Government’s Powering Australia plan has already addressed many of the issues raised in the 2020 review, including implementing recommendations from the Independent Review of ACCUs.

The ACCU Scheme is established by the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (CFI Act).

The full response to the CCA’s reviews of the CFI Act is available on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/reporting/obligations/government-responses