The Authority’s 2026 consultation paper is seeking stakeholder input to inform its 2026 Annual Progress Advice. This Annual Progress Advice is a requirement of the Climate Change Act 2022 and informs the Minister’s annual Climate Change Statement. The Annual Progress Advice assesses Australia’s progress toward emissions reduction targets, with a focus on how policy settings can be strengthened to achieve a resilient and economically beneficial net zero future.
We see consultation as an opportunity to drive positive change in Australia’s response to climate change by incorporating diverse perspectives into the preparation of our advice.
The 2026 Issues Paper provides evidence and insights on how Australia is tracking, including emerging opportunities and barriers across sectors such as energy, transport, households and industry. It also proposes new approaches to benchmarking annual progress to better inform timely and effective policy action.
The paper explains how we will assess the Safeguard Mechanism—Australia’s primary policy for reducing industrial emissions—particularly its contribution to the 2035 target and the role of onsite abatement. The paper also explores other potential areas for policy reform, including household electrification and the growth of low‑emissions industries.
Stakeholders are encouraged to share data, insights and practical experience to help shape robust, evidence-based advice that keeps Australia on track to meet its climate goals while supporting economic resilience and community prosperity.
We want to hear from you
The Authority is making 2 options available for you to provide your responses.
Option 1
Submit your response through our online portal.
Option 2
Upload a file with your completed response to the issues paper after completing the demographic questions in our online portal.
We invite you to refer us to relevant submissions you have made to similar consultation processes, or any related research and data.
Consultation documents
