Opened the debate
Wilson supported the bill as a critical step in improving the integrity and transparency of the carbon credit scheme. Wilson argued that the reforms implement recommendations from independent reviews, including those by Professor Ian Chubb and the Climate Change Authority. Wilson highlighted that the bill requires upfront consent from native title holders for projects on their land, aligning with free, prior and informed consent principles. Wilson noted the establishment of the Carbon Abatement Integrity Committee to replace the existing assurance committee, ensuring greater independence and expertise. Wilson also explained that the bill shifts ACCU purchasing responsibility to the Department Secretary to separate regulatory and purchasing functions, while allowing for value-for-money considerations beyond least-cost abatement.