Overview
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking feedback as part of our commitment to continuous improvement on the implementation of two permit schemes:
These permit schemes control how ozone depleting and synthetic greenhouse gases regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 are handled and traded.
We are seeking feedback in the following areas:
Licence application process and conditions
Permit condition checks and departmental compliance approach
Communications with permit holders and equipment owners/consumers
Permit holder training and qualifications.
You may choose not to provide personal information when you participate in the survey.
No questions are mandatory to answer. You may also choose to only provide feedback about particular aspects of the permit scheme.
You may also upload a document containing your feedback.
Please submit your feedback by 5:00pm, Friday, 28 February 2025.
Background
Australia is phasing down the amount of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that can be imported into the country. HFCs and sometimes even ozone depleting substances can be found in air conditioning, refrigeration and fire protection systems. The phase-down of HFC imports is increasing the use of lower GWP (global warming potential) HFC substances, and low or zero GWP alternatives.
The permit schemes support the HFC phasedown and Australia’s emissions reduction targets by ensuring:
technicians are appropriately trained and qualified to handle refrigerants and extinguishing agents, and do so in accordance with licence conditions and regulations
businesses that buy, sell or store regulated substances have controls in place to minimise emissions.
Responsibilities
The Regulations set out the requirements for end use schemes, including:
which activities require a permit and what qualifications are required
setting permit conditions
prohibiting unwanted conduct.
The Department oversees the delivery of the permit schemes by the industry boards, provides advice to the Minister for the Environment on the regulations, and conducts compliance and enforcement actions.
The Australian Refrigeration Council and Fire Protection Industry Board are responsible for:
issuing and renewing permits
conducting permit condition checks and field engagement
providing information to permit holders to help them comply with their obligations
receiving complaints and tip-offs about non-compliance and following up with education and/or referring to the Department
engaging with industry and training organisations on behalf of the Department, e.g. to provide technical input on training packages and advise the sector about licensing requirements.
