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Australian Capital Territory
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Act 2010
A2010-41
Republication No 14
Effective: 6 December 2025
Republication date: 6 December 2025
Last amendment made by A2025-29
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About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010
(including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes))
as in force on 6 December 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or
expiry affecting this republished law to 6 December 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3
and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT
legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
• unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial
amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.
Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by
an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The
changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into
line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication does not include amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately
before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law
are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more
information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M appears
immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears in the
endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an
individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
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Australian Capital Territory
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Act 2010
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
3 Dictionary 2
4 Notes 2
5 Objects of Act 2
Part 2 Targets
6 ACT greenhouse gas emissions target 4
7 Interim greenhouse gas emissions targets 4
8 Per person greenhouse gas emissions target 5
9 Renewable energy targets 5
Section 1 - Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010 - Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010 | Zoe
Contents
Page
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10 Measuring renewable energy targets—determinations 5
11 Measuring greenhouse gas emissions—determinations 6
12 Annual report by independent entity 6
13 Statement by Minister if targets not met 8
Part 2A Natural gas connections
13A Restriction on certain natural gas connections 9
13B Modification of certain national laws 11
Part 3 Functions of Minister
14 Functions of Minister 13
15 Annual report by Minister 15
15A Assessment by independent entity 15
Part 4 Climate change council
16 Establishment of council 16
17 Functions of council 16
18 Minister to consider council advice 17
19 Annual report by council 18
20 Membership 19
21 Chair 21
22 Ending of appointments 21
Part 5 Sector agreements
23 Sector agreements 23
24 Register of agreements 23
Part 6 Miscellaneous
26 Review of Act 24
26A Determination of fees 24
27 Regulation-making power 24
Dictionary 25
Contents
Page
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Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 27
2 Abbreviation key 27
3 Legislation history 28
4 Amendment history 31
5 Earlier republications 33
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Australian Capital Territory
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Act 2010
An Act to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for
other purposes
Part 1 Preliminary
Section 1
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Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Act 2010.
3 Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary applies to the entire Act unless the
definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the
contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and
s 156 (1)).
4 Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
5 Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are—
(a) to set targets to—
(i) reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT; and
(ii) increase renewable energy use in the ACT; and
(iii) increase renewable energy generation for the ACT; and
(b) to implement measures to meet the targets; and
(c) to provide for monitoring of and reporting on progress made to
meet the targets; and
Preliminary Part 1
Section 5
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(d) to facilitate the government’s development of policies and
programs to meet the targets and to address and adapt to climate
change; and
(e) to encourage private entities to take action to address climate
change and recognise the entities that take action.
Part 2 Targets
Section 6
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Part 2 Targets
6 ACT greenhouse gas emissions target
(1) The principal target (the ACT target) is to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in the ACT to achieve zero net emissions by 30 June 2045.
(2) For this section, zero net emissions is achieved if any emissions of
greenhouse gas in the ACT are balanced by—
(a) avoidance and mitigation activities; and
(b) emissions offsets outside the ACT but within Australia.
(3) The Minister may determine emissions offsets that may be used to
balance any emissions of greenhouse gas in the ACT.
(4) A determination is a notifiable instrument.
(5) In making a determination, the Minister must—
(a) seek, and have regard to, the advice of the council to assist the
Minister to determine the emissions offsets; and
(b) as far as practicable, ensure consistency with the best national
and international practices in relation to using emissions offsets
to balance greenhouse gas emissions.
7 Interim greenhouse gas emissions targets
(1) The interim target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT
to 40% less than 1990 emissions by 30 June 2020.
(2) The Minister may determine additional interim targets.
(3) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
(4) In making a determination, the Minister must—
(a) seek, and have regard to, the advice of the council to assist the
Minister to determine the additional interim targets; and
Targets Part 2
Section 8
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(b) as far as practicable, ensure consistency with the best national
and international practices in relation to determining interim
greenhouse gas emissions targets.
(5) In this section:
1990 emissions means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the
ACT for the year ending on 30 June 1990.
8 Per person greenhouse gas emissions target
The per person target is for the average amount of greenhouse gas
emissions produced per person in the ACT each year to peak by
30 June 2013.
9 Renewable energy targets
(1) The target for the use of renewable electricity in the ACT is 100% on
and from 1 January 2020.
(2) The Minister may determine a target for—
(a) the generation of renewable electricity for the ACT; and
(b) the use of renewable energy in the ACT other than electricity;
and
(c) the generation of renewable energy for the ACT other than
electricity.
(3) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
10 Measuring renewable energy targets—determinations
(1) The Minister must determine a method for measuring compliance
with a target mentioned in or determined under section 9 (a renewable
energy target).
(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Part 2 Targets
Section 11
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(3) In making a determination, the Minister must—
(a) seek, and have regard to, the advice of an independent entity to
assist the Minister to determine the method for measuring
compliance with a renewable energy target; and
(b) as far as practicable, ensure consistency with the best national
and international practices in relation to measuring compliance
with a renewable energy target.
11 Measuring greenhouse gas emissions—determinations
(1) The Minister must determine a method for measuring greenhouse gas
emissions.
(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
(3) In making a determination, the Minister must—
(a) seek, and have regard to, the advice of an independent entity to
assist the Minister to determine the method for measuring
greenhouse gas emissions; and
(b) as far as practicable, ensure consistency with the best national
and international practices in relation to measuring greenhouse
gas emissions.
12 Annual report by independent entity
(1) For each financial year, the Minister must ask an independent entity
to prepare a report about greenhouse gas emissions and the targets
mentioned in part 2 for the year.
Example—independent entity
independent competition and regulatory commission
(2) The report must include—
(a) the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT for the year
(the annual emissions amount), measured using the method
determined under section 11; and
Targets Part 2
Section 12
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(b) an analysis of the ACT’s progress in meeting the targets
mentioned in or determined under section 6, section 7 and
section 8 (the greenhouse gas emissions targets) for the year,
including—
(i) a comparison of the annual emissions amount with the
greenhouse gas emissions targets; and
(ii) identification of the main sources of greenhouse gas
emissions in the ACT; and
(iii) identification of possible reasons for changes in amounts
of greenhouse gas emissions from previous years; and
(c) an analysis of the ACT’s progress in meeting a target mentioned
in or determined under section 9 (a renewable energy target),
including—
(i) compliance with the renewable energy target, measured
using the method determined under section 10; and
(ii) identification of the main sources of renewable energy
generated for the ACT; and
(iii) identification of possible reasons for changes in the amount
or percentage of renewable energy used in or generated for
the ACT from previous years; and
(d) any other information prescribed by regulation.
(3) The independent entity must give the report to the Minister within
3 months after the end of the reporting period.
(4) The Minister must present the report to the Legislative Assembly
within 21 days after receiving the report from the independent entity.
(5) However, if there are no sitting days during the 21-day period—
(a) the Minister must give the report, and a copy for each member
of the Legislative Assembly, to the Speaker; and
Part 2 Targets
Section 13
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(b) the report is taken for all purposes to have been presented to the
Legislative Assembly on the day the Minister gives it to the
Speaker (the report day); and
(c) the Speaker must arrange for a copy of the report to be given to
each member of the Legislative Assembly on the report day; and
(d) despite paragraph (b), the Speaker must present the report to the
Legislative Assembly on the next sitting day.
(6) In this section:
reporting period, for a financial year, means 2 years after the end of
the financial year.
Speaker includes—
(a) if the Speaker is unavailable—the Deputy Speaker; and
(b) if both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are unavailable—the
clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
unavailable—the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unavailable if—
(a) he or she is absent from duty; or
(b) there is a vacancy in the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
13 Statement by Minister if targets not met
(1) This section applies if a target mentioned in this part for a financial
year is not met.
(2) The Minister must, within 6 sitting days after receiving a report from
an independent entity under section 12 for the financial year, present
a statement to the Legislative Assembly setting out—
(a) why the target was not met; and
(b) what action will be taken to meet any subsequent target,
including how the action will differ from any action that was
taken for the target that was not met.
Natural gas connections Part 2A
Section 13A
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Part 2A Natural gas connections
13A Restriction on certain natural gas connections
(1) A gas distributor must not provide a new gas connection for natural
gas in an area, or to stated premises in an area, prescribed by
regulation.
(2) Before a regulation is made for this section, the Executive must seek,
and have regard to, the advice of the chief planner about the proposed
regulation.
(3) It is a condition of a gas distributor’s licence that the distributor
complies with this part.
(4) In this section:
alteration, of a connection, includes an addition, upgrade, extension,
expansion or augmentation of the connection.
connection, in relation to premises, means a physical link between a
distribution pipeline and the premises to allow the flow of natural gas.
distribution pipeline—see the National Gas (ACT) Law, section 2.
Note The National Gas (ACT) Act 2008, s 8 applies the National Gas Law set
out in the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008 (SA), schedule as if
it were an ACT law called the National Gas (ACT) Law.
gas distributor—see the Utilities Act 2000, dictionary.
natural gas—
(a) means natural gas as defined in the National Gas (ACT) Law,
section 2; and
(b) includes a substance that is blended with the substance
mentioned in paragraph (a); but
(c) does not include a substance prescribed by regulation.
Part 2A Natural gas connections
Section 13A
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new gas connection, in relation to premises—
(a) means—
(i) a new connection to the premises; or
(ii) an alteration of an existing connection that results in an
additional point of supply of natural gas to the premises or
other premises; or
(iii) if an existing connection to premises is permanently
removed—the replacement or reinstatement of the
connection; but
(b) does not include—
(i) a change in—
(A) the retail customer supplied natural gas by an existing
connection; or
(B) the gas retailer for an existing connection; or
(ii) an alteration of an existing connection that does not result
in an additional point of supply to the premises or other
premises; or
(iii) a new connection exempted by regulation.
Example—par (a) (ii)
A granny flat is built on a property with an existing connection. The existing
connection cannot be altered to install a new connection to the granny flat unless a
regulation provides an exemption.
Example—par (a) (iii)
A residence with an existing connection is demolished and the existing connection
is removed from the property. A new residence is built on the site. A new
connection cannot be installed to replace the connection that was removed unless a
regulation provides an exemption.
Natural gas connections Part 2A
Section 13B
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Example—par (b) (ii)
A residence on a property which has an existing connection is renovated.
The renovation requires the existing connection to be relocated on the property.
The existing connection can be altered to relocate the existing connection.
premises includes—
(a) vacant land; and
(b) any land around the premises.
provide, a new gas connection, includes cause a new connection to be
provided.
13B Modification of certain national laws
(1) A regulation may modify the operation of the following laws,
including any regulation, rule or other instrument made under the
laws:
(a) the National Energy Retail Law (ACT);
(b) the National Gas (ACT) Law.
Note 1 The National Energy Retail Law (ACT) Act 2012, s 6 applies the National
Energy Retail Law set out in the National Energy Retail Law (South
Australia) Act 2011 (SA), schedule as if it were an ACT law called the
National Energy Retail (ACT) Law.
Note 2 The National Gas (ACT) Act 2008, s 8 applies the National Gas Law set
out in the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008 (SA), schedule as if
it were an ACT law called the National Gas (ACT) Law.
(2) A regulation may only be made under this provision for the purpose
of giving effect to section 13A.
Part 2A Natural gas connections
Section 13B
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(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a regulation may provide for the
following:
(a) the provision of information by a gas distributor to the Territory
about its compliance with section 13A;
(b) information that a gas distributor must give to existing or
potential customers.
Functions of Minister Part 3
Section 14
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Part 3 Functions of Minister
14 Functions of Minister
(1) The main functions of the Minister are—
(a) to promote action to meet the ACT target and the other targets
mentioned in part 2; and
(b) to develop, adopt or promote policies and programs relating to
climate change; and
(c) to consider and recommend amending a territory law (including
this Act) or a government policy or practice if the Minister
reasonably believes an amendment is necessary to achieve the
objects of this Act.
(2) The Minister also has the following functions:
(a) to regularly review issues relating to climate change;
(b) to consult business and community entities about issues relating
to climate change;
(c) to consider and promote actions or strategies by business
entities, including technological developments, to address or
adapt to climate change or reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
(d) to promote the Territory’s involvement in state, national and
international climate change forums;
(e) to promote the commercialisation, generation and use of
renewable energy in the ACT;
(f) to promote the commercialisation and use of other technologies
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT;
(g) to promote research and development consistent with the objects
of this Act;
Part 3 Functions of Minister
Section 14
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(h) to support the development of regional, national and
international approaches to addressing climate change;
(i) to assess the impact of climate change on the Territory;
(j) to support public education about climate change;
(k) any other functions given to the Minister under this Act.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to any regulation or other
statutory instrument made or in force under the Act (see Legislation Act,
s 104).
(3) In the exercise of the Minister’s functions, the Minister must, to the
greatest extent practicable—
(a) apply the inter-generational equity principle; and
(b) have regard to how measures to address climate change may
affect people who are socially or financially disadvantaged; and
(c) engage the community on decisions that relate to climate
change.
(4) In the exercise of the Minister’s functions, the Minister must, to the
greatest extent practicable, work together with—
(a) the Australian government; and
(b) State governments; and
(c) the Climate Change Council; and
(d) regional governments overseas; and
(e) relevant international, business, environmental and community
entities.
(5) In this section:
the inter-generational equity principle means that the present
generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of
the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future
generations.
Functions of Minister Part 3
Section 15
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15 Annual report by Minister
(1) For each financial year, the Minister must prepare a report on—
(a) the actions the Minister has taken during the year in the exercise
of the Minister’s functions under this Act, including the actions
taken to address and adapt to climate change; and
(b) the effectiveness of government actions taken to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions during the financial year; and
(c) the findings of a cost-benefit analysis of any government
policies or programs implemented to meet the targets mentioned
in part 2 during the financial year.
(2) Each government agency must give the Minister information
requested by the Minister about any policies developed or programs
implemented by the agency during the financial year to address
climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and the targets mentioned
in part 2.
(3) The Minister must present the report to the Legislative Assembly
within 6 months after the end of the financial year.
15A Assessment by independent entity
The Minister must, at least once every 5 years, ask an independent
entity to assess, and report to the Minister about, government policies,
programs and practices to address climate change in the ACT,
including actions taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Example—independent entity
independent competition and regulatory commission
Part 4 Climate change council
Section 16
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Part 4 Climate change council
16 Establishment of council
The Climate Change Council is established.
17 Functions of council
(1) The main function of the council is to advise the Minister on matters
relating to—
(a) reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and
(b) addressing, and adapting to, climate change.
(2) The council also has any other function given to the council under
this Act.
Note 1 A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments
made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation
Act, s 104).
Note 2 A provision of a law that gives an entity a function also gives the entity
powers necessary and convenient to exercise the function (see Legislation
Act, s 196 and dict, pt 1, def entity).
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the matters on which the council may
advise the Minister include the following matters:
(a) actions or strategies to achieve energy efficiencies;
(b) actions or strategies to increase renewable energy use;
(c) actions or strategies to achieve the targets mentioned in part 2;
(d) community and business views on climate change, including—
(i) barriers to addressing climate change; and
(ii) proposed actions or strategies to overcome the barriers;
(e) actions or strategies to encourage private entities to take action
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change;
Climate change council Part 4
Section 18
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(f) actions taken or strategies implemented by private entities to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change;
(g) commercial, regional, national and international practices or
policies, including technological developments, to address
climate change that may be used in the ACT.
(4) In exercising its functions, the council—
(a) must try to—
(i) consult representatives from business and the community,
including environmental and conservation entities, on
matters relating to climate change; and
(ii) provide information to private entities to encourage entities
to take action to address, or adapt to, climate change; and
(b) must consider—
(i) the social, economic and environmental impact of issues
relating to climate change; and
(ii) national and international practices or developments in
climate change; and
(iii) any relevant report given to the Minister by an independent
entity under section 12; and
(iv) information available in any other report the Minister
requires the council to consider; and
(c) may consider any other relevant information.
18 Minister to consider council advice
In exercising a function under this Act, the Minister must consider
any relevant advice given to the Minister by the council.
Part 4 Climate change council
Section 19
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19 Annual report by council
(1) For each financial year, the council must prepare a report about the
council’s activities during the financial year, including any advice
given or recommendations made to the Minister.
(2) The council must give the report to the Minister within 3 months after
the end of the financial year.
(3) The Minister must, within 21 days after receiving the report, present
to the Legislative Assembly—
(a) the report; and
(b) a statement by the Minister responding to any advice given or
recommendations made to the Minister in the council’s annual
report.
(4) However, if—
(a) there are no sitting days during the 21-day period—
(i) the Minister must give the report and the statement, and a
copy of each for each member of the Legislative Assembly,
to the Speaker; and
(ii) the report and the statement are taken for all purposes to
have been presented to the Legislative Assembly on the
day the Minister gives it to the Speaker (the report day);
and
(iii) the Speaker must arrange for a copy of the report and a
copy of the statement to be given to each member of the
Legislative Assembly on the report day; and
(iv) despite subparagraph (ii), the Speaker must present the
report and the statement to the Legislative Assembly on the
next sitting day; or
Climate change council Part 4
Section 20
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(b) the 21-day period coincides with all or part of the pre-election
period for a general election of members of the Assembly—the
Minister must table the report and the statement in the
Legislative Assembly on the second sitting day after the election
is held.
(5) In this section:
pre-election period—see the Electoral Act 1992, dictionary.
Speaker includes—
(a) if the Speaker is unavailable—the Deputy Speaker; and
(b) if both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are unavailable—the
clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
unavailable—the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unavailable if—
(a) he or she is absent from duty; or
(b) there is a vacancy in the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
20 Membership
(1) The council consists of at least 5, but not more than 10, members
appointed by the Minister.
Note For laws about appointments, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
(2) The Minister must, to the greatest extent practicable, ensure that—
(a) the council includes people with a broad range of skills and
knowledge relating to addressing, or adapting to, climate
change; and
(b) the council includes at least 2 Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander people; and
Part 4 Climate change council
Section 20
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(c) the members between them include people with extensive
knowledge and expertise in the following areas:
(i) climate change science;
(ii) environmental management;
(iii) the built environment;
(iv) transport planning;
(v) energy;
(vi) climate change adaptation;
(vii) the interests of the community in relation to climate
change; and
(viii) the interests of business in relation to climate change;
(ix) the interests of people who are socially or financially
disadvantaged in relation to climate change.
(3) The Minister may appoint a person as a member only if satisfied that
the person—
(a) is committed to addressing climate change; and
(b) has knowledge and experience in an area relevant to the
operation of this Act.
(4) The conditions of appointment of a member are the conditions stated
in the appointment.
(5) In this section:
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person means a person who—
(a) is a descendant of an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait
Islander person; and
(b) identifies as an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander
person; and
Climate change council Part 4
Section 21
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(c) is accepted as an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander
person by an Aboriginal community or Torres Strait Islander
community.
21 Chair
The Minister must appoint a member of the council to be the chair of
the council.
22 Ending of appointments
(1) The Minister may end the appointment of a member of the council—
(a) if the member contravenes a territory law; or
(b) for misbehaviour; or
(c) if the member becomes bankrupt or personally insolvent; or
(d) if the member is convicted, or found guilty, in Australia of an
offence punishable by imprisonment for at least 1 year; or
(e) if the member is convicted, or found guilty, outside Australia of
an offence that, if it had been committed in the ACT, would be
punishable by imprisonment for at least 1 year; or
(f) if the member is absent for 3 consecutive council meetings
without leave; or
(g) for physical or mental incapacity, if the incapacity substantially
affects the exercise of the member’s functions.
Note A person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation
Act, s 210).
(2) The Minister may also end the appointment of a member (the member
concerned) if the council tells the Minister in writing that it has
resolved, by a majority of at least 2/3 of the members, to recommend
to the Minister that the member’s appointment be ended.
Part 4 Climate change council
Section 22
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(3) The council may pass a resolution mentioned in subsection (2) only
if—
(a) at least 3 weeks written notice of the intention to consider the
proposed resolution has been given to the member concerned;
and
(b) the member concerned has been given an opportunity to make
submissions and present documents to a meeting of the council;
and
(c) if the member concerned has used the opportunity mentioned in
paragraph (b)—a summary of the member’s submissions is
recorded in the minutes of the council and a copy of any
documents presented is included in the minutes.
Sector agreements Part 5
Section 23
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Part 5 Sector agreements
23 Sector agreements
(1) A sector agreement is an agreement with an entity under which the
entity agrees to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
meeting the targets mentioned in part 2 by introducing strategies to—
(a) reduce energy use; or
(b) increase use of renewable energy sources; or
(c) carry out other activities to avoid, mitigate or adapt to climate
change.
(2) A sector agreement must—
(a) be consistent with the objects of this Act; and
(b) include a requirement for the entity to review and report on the
operation of the agreement.
(3) A regulation may prescribe requirements for a sector agreement.
24 Register of agreements
(1) The Minister must keep a register of sector agreements.
(2) The register must be available for public inspection—
(a) on the internet site (if any) of the administrative unit responsible
for administering this Act; and
(b) during ordinary office hours at an office of the administrative
unit.
Part 6 Miscellaneous
Section 26
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Part 6 Miscellaneous
26 Review of Act
The Minister must review the operation of this Act and present a
report of the review to the Legislative Assembly—
(a) as soon as practicable after the end of this Act’s 5th and 10th
years of operation; and
(b) as soon as practicable after each subsequent 10 years of this
Act’s operation.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments
made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation
Act, s 104).
26A Determination of fees
(1) The Minister may determine fees for this Act.
(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
27 Regulation-making power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Dictionary
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Dictionary
(see s 3)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to
this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
• ACT
• administrative unit
• appoint
• chief planner
• disallowable instrument (see s 9)
• entity
• financial year
• function
• instrument (see s 14)
• may (see s 146)
• Minister (see s 162)
• must (see s 146)
• notifiable instrument (see s 10)
• person (see s 160)
• public sector body
• public service
• regulation
• territory instrumentality
• territory law
• year.
ACT target—see section 6.
council means the Climate Change Council established under
section 16.
Dictionary
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government agency means—
(a) the public service; or
(b) a public sector body; or
(c) a territory instrumentality.
greenhouse gas emissions means emissions of any of the following
gases:
(a) carbon dioxide;
(b) methane;
(c) nitrous oxide;
(d) hydrofluorocarbons;
(e) perfluorocarbons;
(f) sulphur hexafluoride;
(g) any other gas prescribed by regulation.
Endnotes
About the endnotes 1
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Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law
but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details
of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are
underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
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3 Legislation history
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010 A2010-41
notified LR 4 November 2010
s 1, s 2 commenced 4 November 2010 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 5 November 2010 (s 2)
as amended by
Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Amendment Act 2015
A2015-16 sch 1 pt 1.4
notified LR 27 May 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 27 May 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.4 commenced 3 June 2015 (s 2)
Renewable Energy Legislation Amendment Act 2016 A2016-26 pt 2
notified LR 12 May 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 12 May 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 13 May 2016 (s 2)
Public Sector Management Amendment Act 2016 A2016-52 sch 1
pt 1.12
notified LR 25 August 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.12 commenced 1 September 2016 (s 2)
Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment
Act 2017 A2017-3 pt 2
notified LR 22 February 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 22 February 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 23 February 2017 (s 2)
Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment
Act 2017 (No 2) A2017-20 pt 2
notified LR 15 June 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 15 June 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 16 June 2017 (s 2)
Endnotes
Legislation history 3
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Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Principal Target)
Amendment Act 2018 A2018-36
notified LR 26 September 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 September 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 27 September 2018 (s 2)
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Renewable
Electricity Target) Amendment Act 2019 A2019-19
notified LR 14 June 2019
s 1, s 2 commenced 14 June 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 15 June 2019 (s 2)
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Amendment
Act 2022 A2022-26
notified LR 14 December 2022
s 1, s 2 commenced 14 December 2022 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 15 December 2022 (s 2)
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Natural Gas
Transition) Amendment Act 2023 A2023-25
notified LR 23 June 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 23 June 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 24 June 2023 (s 2)
Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-36 sch 1
pt 1.12
notified LR 29 September 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.12 commenced 27 November 2023 (s 2 (1) and see
Planning Act 2023 A2023-18, s 2 (2) and CN2023-10)
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Membership)
Amendment Act 2024 A2024-8
notified LR 28 March 2024
s 1, s 2 commenced 28 March 2024 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 29 March 2024 (s 2)
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
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Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2024
A2024-21 pt 2
notified LR 24 May 2024
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2024 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 31 May 2024 (s 2 (1))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 4 pt 4.32
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 4 pt 4.32 commenced 6 December 2025 (s 2 (5))
Endnotes
Amendment history 4
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4 Amendment history
Long title
long title sub A2023-25 s 4
Commencement
s 2 om LA s 89 (4)
Objects of Act
s 5 am A2019-19 s 5, s 6; A2023-25 s 5; pars renum R10 LA
ACT greenhouse gas emissions target
s 6 am A2016-26 s 4; A2018-36 s 4; A2022-26 s 4
Interim greenhouse gas emissions targets
s 7 am A2016-26 s 5; A2022-26 s 5; ss renum R9 LA; A2025-29
amdt 4.32
Renewable energy targets
s 9 am A2019-19 s 7; ss renum R8 LA; A2025-29 amdt 4.32
Measuring renewable energy targets—determinations
s 10 om A2017-3 s 4
ins A2019-19 s 8
am A2025-29 amdt 4.32
Measuring greenhouse gas emissions—determinations
s 11 am A2025-29 amdt 4.32
Annual report by independent entity
s 12 am A2019-19 ss 9-12; pars renum R8 LA
Natural gas connections
pt 2A hdg ins A2023-25 s 6
Restriction on certain natural gas connections
s 13A ins A2023-25 s 6
am A2023-36 amdt 1.82
Modification of certain national laws
s 13B ins A2023-25 s 6
Functions of Minister
s 14 am A2022-26 s 6; ss renum R9 LA
Annual report by Minister
s 15 am A2022-26 s 7
Assessment by independent entity
s 15A ins A2022-26 s 8
Annual report by council
s 19 am A2017-20 s 5, s 6
Endnotes
4 Amendment history
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Membership
s 20 am A2022-26 s 9, s 10; A2024-8 s 4, s 5
Chair
s 21 am A2022-26 s 11
Sector agreements
s 23 am A2022-26 s 12, s 13
Information to be included in agency annual reports
s 25 om A2015-16 amdt 1.4
Determination of fees
s 26A ins A2024-21 s 4
Regulation-making power
s 27 am A2025-29 amdt 4.32
Dictionary
dict am A2016-52 amdt 1.46; A2022-26 s 14; A2023-25 s 7;
A2023-36 amdt 1.83
def ACT target ins A2022-26 s 15
def government agency sub A2016-52 amdt 1.47
Endnotes
Earlier republications 5
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5 Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to
the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in
electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised
republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are
marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an
authorised republication are identical.
Republication
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
Republication
for
R1
5 Nov 2010
5 Nov 2010–
2 June 2015
not amended new Act
R2
3 June 2016
3 June 2016–
12 May 2016
A2015-16 amendments by
A2015-16
R3
13 May 2016
13 May 2016–
31 Aug 2016
A2016-26 amendments by
A2016-26
R4
1 Sept 2016
1 Sept 2016-
22 Feb 2017
A2016-52 amendments by
A2016-52
R5
23 Feb 2017
23 Feb 2017-
15 June 2017
A2017-3 amendments by
A2017-3
R6
16 June 2017
16 June 2017–
26 Sept 2018
A2017-20 amendments by
A2017-20
R7
27 Sept 2018
27 Sept 2018–
14 June 2019
A2018-36 amendments by
A2018-36
R8
15 June 2019
15 June 2019–
14 Dec 2022
A2019-19 amendments by
A2019-19
R9
15 Dec 2022
15 Dec 2022–
23 June 2023
A2022-26 amendments by
A2022-26
R10
24 June 2023
24 June 2023–
26 Nov 2023
A2023-25 amendments by
A2023-25
R11
27 Nov 2023
27 Nov 2023–
28 Mar 2024
A2023-36 amendments by
A2023-36