CARBON CREDITS (CARBON FARMING INITIATIVE) ACT 2011 (NO. 101, 2011)

Commonwealth Numbered Acts

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CARBON CREDITS (CARBON FARMING INITIATIVE) ACT 2011 (NO. 101, 2011)

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

PART 1--PRELIMINARY

1. Short title
2. Commencement
3. Objects
4. Simplified outline
5. Definitions
6. Vacancy in the office of a Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee member
7. Electronic notice transmitted to the Administrator
8. Crown to be bound
9. Extension to external Territories

PART 2--ISSUE OF AUSTRALIAN CARBON CREDIT UNITS IN RESPECT OF OFFSETS PROJECTS

Division 1--Introduction

10. Simplified outline

Division 2--Issue of Australian carbon credit units in respect of offsets projects

11. Issue of Australian carbon credit units in respect of offsets projects

Division 3--Certificate of entitlement

12. Application for certificate of entitlement
13. Form of application
14. Further information
15. Issue of certificate of entitlement
16. Unit entitlement--sequestration offsets projects other than native forest protection projects
17. Unit entitlement--native forest protection projects
18. Unit entitlement--emissions avoidance offsets project
19. Cancellation of units issued in respect of a project that is subject to the voluntary automatic unit cancellation regime
20. Certificate of entitlement not transferable

PART 3--ELIGIBLE OFFSETS PROJECTS

Division 1--Introduction

21. Simplified outline

Division 2--Declaration of eligible offsets project

22. Application for declaration of eligible offsets project
23. Form of application
24. Further information
25. Withdrawal of application
26. Application may be split
27. Declaration of eligible offsets project
28. Declaration may be subject to condition about obtaining regulatory approvals

Division 3--Variation of declaration of eligible offsets project

29. Voluntary variation of declaration of eligible offsets project in relation to the project area or project areas
30. Voluntary variation of declaration of eligible offsets project in relation to the project proponent
31. Voluntary variation of conditional declaration of eligible offsets project--regulatory approvals obtained

Division 4--Revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project

Subdivision A--Voluntary revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project

32. Voluntary revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--units issued
33. Voluntary revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--no units issued

Subdivision B--Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project

34. Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--regulatory approvals not obtained
35. Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--eligibility requirements not met etc.
36. Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--project proponent ceases to be a recognised offsets entity
37. Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--person responsible for carrying out project ceases to be the project proponent
38. Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--false or misleading information

Division 5--Entries in title registers

39. Entries in title registers--general
40. Entries in title registers--land subject to carbon maintenance obligation

Division 6--Additionality test

41. Additionality test

Division 7--Net total number of Australian carbon credit units issued in relation to an eligible offsets project

42. Net total number of Australian carbon credit units issued in relation to an eligible offsets project

Division 8--Applicable carbon sequestration right

43. Applicable carbon sequestration right

Division 9--Eligible interest in an area of land

44. Eligible interest in an area of land--Torrens system land
45. Eligible interest in an area of land--Crown land that is not Torrens system land
45A. Eligible interest in an area of land--native title land

Division 10--Native title land

46. Registered native title bodies corporate--deemed project proponent
47. Administrator to notify Crown lands Minister of declaration of eligible offsets project
48. Designation of special native title account
49. Issue of Australian carbon credit units to special native title account
50. Units held in special native title account
51. Regulations about consulting common law holders etc.

Division 11--Freehold land rights land

52. Administrator to notify Crown lands Minister of declaration of eligible offsets project

Division 12--Types of projects

53. Emissions avoidance offsets projects
54. Sequestration offsets projects
55. Kyoto offsets projects and non-Kyoto offsets projects etc.
56. Excluded offsets projects

Division 13--Restructure of eligible offsets projects

57. Restructure of eligible offsets projects
58. Restructure of an eligible offsets project that is subject to the voluntary automatic unit cancellation regime

PART 4--RECOGNISED OFFSETS ENTITIES

59. Simplified outline
60. Application for recognition as an offsets entity
61. Form of application
62. Further information
63. Withdrawal of application
64. Recognition as an offsets entity
65. Cancellation of recognition
66. Surrender of recognition
67. Recognition is not transferable

PART 5--CREDITING PERIODS

Division 1--Introduction

68. Simplified outline

Division 2--First crediting period

69. First crediting period

Division 3--Subsequent crediting period

70. Application for subsequent crediting period
71. Form of application
72. Further information
73. Withdrawal of application
74. Determination of subsequent crediting period

PART 6--REPORTING AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Division 1--Introduction

75. Simplified outline

Division 2--Reporting requirements

76. Offsets reports
77. Declaration that offsets report requirement does not apply

Division 3--Notification requirements

Subdivision A--Project proponents

78. Notification requirement--ceasing to be the project proponent for an eligible offsets project otherwise than because of death
79. Notification requirement--death of the project proponent for an eligible offsets project
80. Notification requirement--methodology determinations
81. Notification requirement--natural disturbances
82. Notification requirement--reversal of sequestration due to conduct of another person
83. Notification requirement--project becomes inconsistent with a regional natural resource management plan

Subdivision B--Recognised offsets entities

84. Notification requirement--recognised offsets entities

Subdivision C--General

85. Regulations may impose notification requirements

PART 7--REQUIREMENTS TO RELINQUISH AUSTRALIAN CARBON CREDIT UNITS

Division 1--Introduction

86. Simplified outline
87. Maximum potential relinquishment period

Division 2--General relinquishment requirements

88. Requirement to relinquish--false or misleading information

Division 3--Relinquishment requirements for sequestration offsets projects

89. Requirement to relinquish--revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project
90. Requirement to relinquish--reversal of sequestration other than due to natural disturbance or conduct etc.
91. Requirement to relinquish--reversal of sequestration due to natural disturbance or conduct and no mitigation happens

Division 4--Transition of offsets projects from prescribed non-CFI offsets schemes

92. Request for determination
93. Form of request
94. Further information
95. Determination

PART 8--CARBON MAINTENANCE OBLIGATION

Division 1--Introduction

96. Simplified outline

Division 2--Carbon maintenance obligation

97. Carbon maintenance obligation
98. Variation or revocation of declaration of carbon maintenance obligation
99. Revocation of declaration of carbon maintenance obligation--voluntary relinquishment of Australian carbon credit units

Division 3--Injunctions

100. Injunctions
101. Interim injunctions
102. Discharge etc. of injunctions
103. Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply
104. Other powers of the Federal Court unaffected

PART 9--METHODOLOGY DETERMINATIONS

Division 1--Introduction

105. Simplified outline

Division 2--Methodology determinations

Subdivision A--Making of methodology determinations

106. Methodology determinations
107. Baseline
108. Application for endorsement of proposal for methodology determination
109. Form of application
110. Further information
111. Withdrawal of application
112. Endorsement of proposal for methodology determination
113. Advice about endorsement of proposal

Subdivision B--Variation of methodology determinations

114. Variation of methodology determinations
115. When variation takes effect
116. Application for endorsement of proposal for the variation of a methodology determination
117. Form of application
118. Further information
119. Withdrawal of application
120. Endorsement of proposal for variation of methodology determination
121. Advice about endorsement of proposal

Subdivision C--Duration of methodology determinations

122. Duration of methodology determinations

Subdivision D--Revocation of methodology determinations

123. Revocation of methodology determinations

Subdivision E--Applicable methodology determination

124. Applicable methodology determination for a reporting period
125. Original methodology determination continues to apply after expiry
126. Original methodology determination continues to apply after variation
127. Original methodology determination continues to apply after revocation
128. Request to approve application of methodology determination to a project with effect from the start of a reporting period
129. Further information
130. Administrator may approve application of methodology determination to a project with effect from the start of a reporting period

Subdivision F--Transitional

131. Transitional--pre-commencement application for endorsement of proposal
132. Transitional--pre-commencement endorsement of proposal

Division 3--Offsets integrity standards

133. Offsets integrity standards

PART 10--MULTIPLE PROJECT PROPONENTS

Division 1--Introduction

134. Simplified outline

Division 2--References to project proponents

135. References to project proponents

Division 3--Nominee of multiple project proponents

136. Nomination of nominee by multiple project proponents
137. Service of documents on nominee
138. Eligible voluntary action taken by nominee
139. Unilateral revocation of declaration of eligible offsets project--failure of multiple project proponents to nominate a nominee
140. Designation of nominee account
141. Issue of Australian carbon credit units to nominee account
142. Units held in nominee account
143. Instructions in relation to nominee account
144. Updating nominee account details on change of nominee

Division 4--Obligations of multiple project proponents

145. Obligations of multiple project proponents

PART 11--AUSTRALIAN CARBON CREDIT UNITS

Division 1--Introduction

146. Simplified outline

Division 2--Issue of Australian carbon credit units

147. Issue of Australian carbon credit units
148. How Australian carbon credit units are to be issued
149. Circumstances in which Australian carbon credit units may be issued

Division 3--Property in, and transfer of, Australian carbon credit units

150. An Australian carbon credit unit is personal property
151. Transfer of Australian carbon credit units
152. Transmission of Australian carbon credit units by assignment
153. Transmission of Australian carbon credit units by operation of law etc.
154. Outgoing international transfers of Australian carbon credit units
155. Restrictions on outgoing international transfers of Kyoto Australian carbon credit units
156. Transfer of Australian carbon credit units to another Registry account held by the transferor
157. Exchange of Kyoto Australian carbon credit units for Kyoto units
158. Equitable interests in relation to an Australian carbon credit unit

PART 12--PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION

Division 1--Introduction

159. Simplified outline

Division 2--Information about units

160. Information about issue of Australian carbon credit units
161. Quarterly reports about issue of Australian carbon credit units
162. Publication of concise description of the characteristics of Australian carbon credit units

Division 3--Information about voluntary cancellation of units

163. Information about number of voluntarily cancelled Australian carbon credit units

Division 4--Information about relinquishment requirements

164. Information about relinquishment requirements
165. Information about unpaid administrative penalties
166. Information about number of relinquished units

Division 5--Register of Offsets Projects

167. Register of Offsets Projects
168. Entries in the Register
169. Requests for information about project area not to be set out in the Register

PART 13--FRAUDULENT CONDUCT

170. Simplified outline
171. Units issued as a result of fraudulent conduct--court may order relinquishment

PART 14--VOLUNTARY CANCELLATION OF AUSTRALIAN CARBON CREDIT UNITS

172. Simplified outline
173. Voluntary cancellation of Australian carbon credit units

PART 15--RELINQUISHMENT OF AUSTRALIAN CARBON CREDIT UNITS

Division 1--Introduction

174. Simplified outline

Division 2--How Australian carbon credit units are relinquished

175. How Australian carbon credit units are relinquished
176. Deemed relinquishment
177. Transfer of certain units instead of relinquishment of Kyoto Australian carbon credit units
178. Transfer of certain units instead of relinquishment of non-Kyoto Australian carbon credit units

Division 3--Compliance with relinquishment requirements

179. Compliance with relinquishment requirements
180. Late payment penalty
181. Recovery of penalties
182. Set-off
183. Refund of overpayments

PART 16--INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS

184. Simplified outline
185. Administrator may obtain information or documents
186. Copying documents--compensation
187. Copies of documents
188. Administrator may retain documents
189. Self-incrimination

PART 17--RECORD-KEEPING AND PROJECT MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Division 1--Introduction

190. Simplified outline

Division 2--Record-keeping requirements

191. Record-keeping requirements--general
192. Record-keeping requirements--preparation of offsets report
193. Record-keeping requirements--methodology determinations

Division 3--Project monitoring requirements

194. Project monitoring requirements--methodology determinations

PART 18--MONITORING POWERS

Division 1--Simplified outline

195. Simplified outline

Division 2--Appointment of inspectors and issue of identity cards

196. Appointment of inspectors
197. Identity cards

Division 3--Powers of inspectors

Subdivision A--Monitoring powers

198. Inspector may enter premises by consent or under a warrant
199. Monitoring powers of inspectors
200. Persons assisting inspectors

Subdivision B--Powers of inspectors to ask questions and seek production of documents

201. Inspector may ask questions and seek production of documents
202. Self-incrimination

Division 4--Obligations and incidental powers of inspectors

203. Consent
204. Announcement before entry under warrant
205. Inspector to be in possession of warrant
206. Details of warrant etc. to be given to occupier
207. Expert assistance to operate electronic equipment
208. Compensation for damage to electronic equipment

Division 5--Occupier's rights and responsibilities

209. Occupier entitled to observe execution of warrant
210. Occupier to provide inspector with facilities and assistance

Division 6--Monitoring warrants

211. Monitoring warrants

Division 7--Powers of magistrates

212. Powers of magistrates

PART 19--AUDITS

Division 1--Introduction

213. Simplified outline

Division 2--Audits

214. Compliance audits
215. Other audits

PART 20--LIABILITY OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF BODIES CORPORATE

216. Simplified outline
217. Civil penalties for executive officers of bodies corporate
218. Reasonable steps to prevent contravention

PART 21--CIVIL PENALTY ORDERS

219. Simplified outline
220. References to Court
221. Civil penalty orders
222. Who may apply for a civil penalty order
223. Two or more proceedings may be heard together
224. Time limit for application for an order
225. Civil evidence and procedure rules for civil penalty orders
226. Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings
227. Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings
228. Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings
229. Evidence given in proceedings for a civil penalty order not admissible in criminal proceedings
230. Mistake of fact
231. State of mind
232. Continuing contraventions

PART 22--OFFENCES RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES

233. Simplified outline
234. Scheme to avoid existing liability to pay administrative penalty
235. Scheme to avoid future liability to pay administrative penalty

PART 23--ENFORCEABLE UNDERTAKINGS

236. Simplified outline
237. Acceptance of undertakings
238. Enforcement of undertakings

PART 24--REVIEW OF DECISIONS

Division 1--Introduction

239. Simplified outline

Division 2--Decisions of the Administrator

240. Reviewable decisions
241. Applications for reconsideration of decisions made by delegates of the Administrator
242. Reconsideration by the Administrator
243. Deadline for reconsideration
244. Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
245. Stay of proceedings for the recovery of an administrative penalty

Division 3--Decisions of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee

245A. Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

PART 25--CARBON CREDITS ADMINISTRATOR

246. Carbon Credits Administrator
247. Functions of the Administrator
248. Acting Administrator
249. Delegation by the Administrator
250. Administrator to be assisted by APS employees in the Department
251. Other persons assisting the Administrator
252. Consultants
253. Minister may give directions to the Administrator

PART 26--DOMESTIC OFFSETS INTEGRITY COMMITTEE

Division 1--Establishment and functions of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee

254. Establishment of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee
255. Functions of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee

Division 2--Membership of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee

256. Membership of the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee
257. Appointment of Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee members
258. Period for appointment for Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee members
259. Acting Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee members
260. Procedures
261. Disclosure of interests to the Minister
262. Disclosure of interests to Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee
263. Outside employment
264. Remuneration and allowances
265. Leave of absence
266. Resignation
267. Termination of appointment
268. Other terms and conditions
269. Assistance to Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee

PART 27--SECRECY

270. Secrecy
271. Disclosure or use for the purposes of this Act or a legislative instrument under this Act
272. Disclosure to the Minister
273. Disclosure to the Secretary etc.
274. Disclosure or use for purposes of development of methodology determinations etc.
275. Disclosure to a Royal Commission
276. Disclosure to certain persons and bodies
277. Disclosure to certain financial bodies
278. Disclosure with consent
279. Disclosure to reduce threat to life or health
280. Disclosure of publicly available information
281. Disclosure of summaries or statistics
282. Disclosure for purposes of law enforcement--protected Administrator information
283. Disclosure for purposes of law enforcement--protected DOIC information
284. Disclosure for purposes of review of Act
285. Disclosure for purposes of review of compliance with Australia's international obligations

PART 28--MISCELLANEOUS

286. Miscellaneous functions of the Administrator
287. Computerised decision-making
288. Administrator's power to require further information
289. Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee's power to require further information
290. Actions may be taken by an agent of a project proponent
291. Delegation by the Minister
292. Delegation by a State Minister or a Territory Minister
293. Delegation by the Secretary
294. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
295. Law relating to legal professional privilege not affected
296. Arrangements with States and Territories
297. Liability for damages
298. Executive power of the Commonwealth
299. Notional payments by the Commonwealth
300. Compensation for acquisition of property
301. Native title rights not affected
302. Racial Discrimination Act not affected
303. Additional effect of this Act and the regulations--introduced animal emissions avoidance projects
304. Prescribing matters by reference to other instruments
305. Administrative decisions under the regulations
306. Reviews of operation of this Act etc.
307. Regulations

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