Regulations Discussion Paper - November 2007 
 
The Institute supports the initiatives to implement the proposed National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System, a topical matter of significant public interest. 
 
However, the Institute is concerned that the obligation to report in accordance with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Act) does not require the data to be audited by an independent auditor. 
 
The Institute is of the view that this is a significant oversight. Given that the data will ultimately form the foundation for an Australian Emissions Trading Scheme, it is vital that trust and credibility be built into the system from the very beginning. The absence of a robust and rugged assurance requirement to accompany the obligation to report has the potential to impair such a trading scheme.  
 
The Institute's submission on the Discussion Paper can be downloaded here (PDF). 
 
Regulations Policy Paper - February 2008 
 
In February 2008, the Department of Climate Change released a Regulations Policy Paper informing stakeholders of the proposed approaches for the areas covered by regulations under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007. 
 
The Institute submitted a response to this Policy Paper that reiterated the need for assurance models to be developed.  
 
The submission can be viewed here (PDF).