Overview
The Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme supports landholders, communities and businesses to deliver projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage.
It plays a key role in Australia’s net zero transition and mitigation efforts.
Multiple independent reviews of the ACCU Scheme have found it is well designed and administered, and contributing to Australia’s transition to net zero by 2050, while also finding opportunities for continuous improvement.
The Australian Government is proposing a suite of legislative amendments to implement review recommendations, respond to stakeholder feedback and bolster the integrity of the ACCU Scheme. The amendments to both the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (CFI Act) and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (the NGER Act) Act would:
Strengthen ACCU Scheme consent requirements by recognising registered native title claimants as eligible interest holders and requiring up-front and staged consent for projects on land that is recognised as native title land, or subject to native title claims.
Enable the existing ACCU Scheme Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee to evolve into the new Carbon Abatement Integrity Committee (CAIC).
Clarify the governance arrangements for proponent-led method development (PLMD) in the ACCU Scheme.
Create new Ministerial powers to manage critical integrity risks the ACCU Scheme could face in the future.
Encourage greater investment and participation in research and development into new emissions reduction opportunities for the ACCU Scheme.
Enhance the Clean Energy Regulator’s compliance and publication powers to ensure ongoing integrity and transparency of the ACCU Scheme.
Simplify and streamline the ACCU Scheme administration.
Enhance the transparency and administration of the NGER Scheme.
The Australian Government is seeking feedback on the Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Transparency) Bill (the Bill) Exposure Draft. Submissions on the Exposure Draft will be accepted before 5pm AEST on Friday 22 May 2026.
Alongside the Exposure Draft, the Australian Government has prepared a ‘Consultation Paper’ which provides more detail on the amendments. The ‘Bill Compilation’ shows the Act as it would appear following passage of the amendments.
During the consultation period the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold webinars to explain the details of the Bill and provide opportunity for questions. Please find the webinar registration links in the timeline on the right-hand side of this page.
To have your say:
Read the:
Consultation Paper
the Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Transparency) Bill (the Bill) Exposure Draft of amendments to the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (CFI Act) and National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (the NGER Act)
Bill Compilation showing the CFI Act as it would appear following passage of the amendments.
Register to attend the department’s informational webinars which will explain the details of the Bill.
Complete our survey to submit your feedback by 5pm AEST, Friday 22 May 2026.
