Why NGER data is published
One of the objectives of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER Act) is to inform the public about greenhouse gas emissions and energy flows by corporations in Australia. To facilitate this the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer (GEDO) is required to publish, on a website, totals of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption that have been reported by certain registered corporations. The reported NGER data is also intended to:
- underpin the introduction of an emissions trading scheme in the future
- meet Australia's international reporting obligations
- assist Commonwealth, state and territory government programs and activities
- avoid the duplication of similar reporting requirements in the states and territories.
A second and separate way in which these objectives are met is through the disclosure of data to specified parties.
The GEDO may disclose data reported under the NGER Act to certain Commonwealth Ministers, government agencies or persons providing services to the Commonwealth, and that are responsible for administering a program or collecting statistics relating to greenhouse gas emissions, energy production or energy consumption.
The data may also be disclosed to another person to facilitate reviews of Australia's compliance with its international reporting obligations relating to greenhouse gas emissions, energy production and energy consumption.
The GEDO must also disclose data reported under the NGER Act to each state and territory, to reduce duplication of similar reporting programs.
The GEDO sets out strict security measures to protect the confidentiality of any greenhouse and energy information that is disclosed to other persons or bodies.
For more information refer to the fact sheet: Disclosure of information.