Carbon pricing mechanism

Australia has introduced a price on carbon to support our transition to a low carbon economy.

The carbon pricing mechanism started on 1 July 2012. It applies to Australia’s biggest polluters who have to report on, and pay a price for, their carbon pollution. This creates incentives to reduce emissions.

The price is fixed each year for the first three years, starting at $23 a tonne in 2012–13. Then from 2015–16 the price will be set by the market.

The Clean Energy Regulator administers Australia's carbon pricing mechanism. The Clean Energy Future website includes general information about the carbon pricing mechanism for the community.

Was this page useful?

Reporting guidance for natural gas suppliers with an IEN

A new guideline, Reporting natural gas liability: Interim Emissions Number reporting, is now available for natural gas suppliers who need to report to the Clean Energy Regulator.

Do you need to submit a pre-submission audit report?

If you are a liable entity and your emissions number is above 125 000 you need to submit a reasonable assurance audit report.


Purchasing eligible emissions units in the secondary market

Do you understand how to purchase and surrender units in the secondary market to aquit your liability? Read the fact sheet to find out.