The ETS Review - likely inputs and outcomes

By Andy Nicholls, Frank McLaughlin and Chris Bougen

Events in the international arena will be a key input for the Emissions Trading Scheme Review (ETS Review). In particular, the Review Group has been instructed to keep a close watch on the work of the Australian Multi Party Committee on Climate Change.

This Brief Counsel looks at what is happening on the world stage, and the likely outcomes of the Review.

Review scope

A periodic review of the operation and effectiveness of the ETS is mandatory under the ETS legislation (the Climate Change Response Act 2002). This first ETS Review must be completed before the end of this year. But in setting the Terms of Reference (TOR), the Minister for Climate Change Issues, Nick Smith, has asked for the review panel's report by 30 June 2011.