The Climate Change Authority Act 2011 requires the Authority to review particular climate change policies and initiatives and report to the Climate Change Minister and the Australian Parliament. The Authority completed its first review of the Renewable Energy Target review in 2012. The Authority is currently conducting the Caps and Targets Review and Progress in Achieving Emissions Reduction Review.
- Caps and Target Reviews
- The Climate Change Authority has commenced work on the first review of Australia’s emissions caps (the “Caps and Target Review”). The Caps and Targets Review will recommend a target for reductions in emissions for Australia in 2020, and a proposed pathway to that target. As part of this Review, the Authority will also recommend annual emissions caps (or limits) for Australia’s carbon pricing mechanism for the period 2015-16 to 2019-20.
- Progress in achieving emissions reductions
- The Climate Change Authority will review Australia's progress in achieving medium-term and long-term emissions reduction targets and any national carbon budget before the end of February 2014 with subsequent reviews every twelve months.
- Renewable Energy Target
- The Climate Change Authority completed its first review of the Renewable Energy Target in December 2012.
- Carbon Pricing Mechanism
- The Climate Change Authority will review and make recommendations on the carbon price (excluding household assistance and the Jobs & Competitiveness program) in the second half of 2016 with subsequent reviews in 2018 and then every five years.
- National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System
- The Climate Change Authority will review the operation of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System between 30 June 2016 and 31 December 2018 with subsequent reviews five years after the completion of the first review.
- Carbon Farming Initiative
- The Climate Change Authority will review and make recommendations on the Carbon Farming Initiative in the second half of 2014 with subsequent reviews every three years.
- Other reviews
- The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency or the Australian Government can request that the Authority conduct a review relating to climate change that is covered by the legislative powers of the Parliament or the executive power of the Commonwealth.