About the legislation
The legislation supporting the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (OPSGG) Program implements Australia’s obligations under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol.
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and related Acts (the Ozone Acts) protect the environment by reducing emissions of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.
The Ozone Acts control the manufacture, import, export, use and disposal of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases and products containing these gases. These gases are commonly used as refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and also in other uses including fire protection, foam blowing and aerosols, and for medical and veterinary uses.
The key objectives of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 are to:
- control the manufacture, import, export, use and disposal of substances that deplete ozone in the stratosphere and contribute to climate change;
- achieve a faster and greater reduction in the levels of production and use of ozone depleting substances than are required under the Montreal Protocol; and
- promote responsible management and handling of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases to minimise their impact on the atmosphere.
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Act 1995
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Act 1995
The Ozone Acts are supported by the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 and related regulations, which control the major uses of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Regulations 2004
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Regulations 2004
Updating and amending the legislation
The Ozone Acts and Regulations are regularly updated to implement Australian Government policy and to align with international obligations. Consultation with stakeholders is undertaken before any updates to the Ozone Acts and Regulations are presented to Parliament for consideration.
The Ozone Acts were updated to implement the outcomes of the 2014-2016 Review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Program.