Carbon credit scheme to be more transparent

Changes to Australia's carbon credit scheme will make the emissions-reduction arrangements more transparent, the climate change minister has pledged.

The federal government has agreed to all 15 recommendations of the Climate Change Authority's review of the carbon crediting scheme, either in full or in principle.

The carbon credit scheme is used to encourage businesses or large projects to reduce emissions.

Participants in the scheme can earn a carbon credit for every tonne of carbon dioxide that is either stored or reduced from a project, such as planting native vegetation.

The credits can then be traded as a financial product to the private sector or back to the federal government.

The government said it agreed in principle to changes to the scheme put forward in the review to make more information about the program more readily available.

It also said it broadly backed changes that allowed projects to alter the requirement to maintain the amount of carbon being stored from 25 to 100 years.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the review of the scheme found it was performing well and was part of the transition to net-zero emissions.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen
Chris Bowen has agreed to 15 recommendations of the review of the carbon crediting scheme.

"When introduced in 2022, the carbon credit scheme was based on sound science, best practice and independent advice," he said.

"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 reduction as well as unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower."

Another review of the scheme, led by former chief scientist Ian Chubb, called for the carbon credit program to allow third-party stakeholders to come up with different ways to reduce emissions.

However, critics said the proposal would undermine the system's original intent.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store