Purpose of the Independent Review
The government appointed an independent panel to review the integrity of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) under Australia’s carbon crediting scheme, also known as the Emissions Reduction Fund.
The independent panel was comprised of Professor Ian Chubb AC (Chair), the Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC, Ms Ariadne Gorring and Dr Steve Hatfield-Dodds.
The purpose of the Review was to ensure ACCUs and the carbon crediting framework maintain a strong and credible reputation supported by participants, purchasers and the broader community.
The Panel examined governance arrangements and legislative requirements of the carbon crediting scheme, as well as the integrity of the key methods used, and other scheme settings affecting the integrity of ACCUs. It considered the broader impacts of carbon projects, including for agriculture, biodiversity, participation of First Nations people, and regional communities. The Panel also examined the requirements for use of ACCUs under Climate Active.
Independent Panel’s conclusions
The Panel concluded that the ACCU scheme arrangements are essentially sound, incorporating mechanisms for regular review and improvement, and recommended several changes to clarify governance, improve transparency, facilitate positive project outcomes and co-benefits, and enhance confidence in the integrity and effectiveness of the scheme.
Government response and implementation of reforms
The Australian Government accepted all 16 recommendations of the Independent Review in principle and published an Implementation Plan setting out its planned timing and approach to implementing reforms.
Implementation is well underway. You can read about the government’s progress in implementing reforms.
Independent Panel consultation and advice
The Panel consulted widely during the review. The consultation paper and public submissions are available on our consultation hub.
The Panel also sought independent analysis and advice to inform its consideration of the integrity of the human induced regeneration, avoided deforestation, landfill gas, and carbon capture and storage methods. It commissioned the Australian Academy of Science to provide a rapid assessment of these methods.
The report, along with public submissions and stakeholder meetings, were key contributions to the Panel’s considerations.
Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units: Final Report
Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units: Key Findings and Recommendations
Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units: Key Findings and Recommendations
Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units: Final Report
Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units: Final Report
ACCU Review Chair, Professor Ian Chubb’s statement on the Panel’s recommendations (PDF 270 KB)
ACCU Review Chair, Professor Ian Chubb’s statement on the Panel’s recommendations (DOCX 50 KB)
Read more
- Professor Chubb’s submission to the Senate Inquiry to the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill 2022 - Provisions
- Professor Chubb’s submission to the Senate Inquiry to the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill 2022 - Attachment 1
- Australian Academy of Science Review of four methods for generating Australian Carbon Credit Units October 2022
- Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units Terms of Reference
- Minister’s announcement of Panel members
- Read about the Panel members
- Panel member's media release on the Review
- Emissions Reduction Fund
- Powering Australia