All eyes are on the AER Summit which will be held next week on 13-14 August in Melbourne. We have put together a thought-provoking program and have a range of key speakers headlined by H.E. Dr Jose Ramos-Horta and Minister Bowen. But there is so much more to explore, so I recommend that you take a look at the program and speaker line-up. Don’t miss out and register today!
If you would like to do some pre-reading, the Productivity Commission has just published it interim report on Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation. Consistent with CMI’s advocacy, the report recommends broadening and improving the Safeguard Mechanism and introducing a technology-neutral policy to incentivise heavy vehicle operators to reduce emissions. Commissioner Barry Sterland is quoted as saying: “Enduring, broad-based market mechanisms are the best way to reduce carbon emissions. More consistent and comprehensive incentives are key to reaching net zero at lowest cost.” Commission Sterland will present at our Summit and will join a timely discussion on whether regulation and transition planning expectations are sufficient to green business practice.
Last week Janet Hallows and I met with UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell for a private meeting to discuss Australia’s 2035 climate target and strategic role in international carbon market cooperation in Australia’s diplomatic, trade and foreign aid agenda.
Stiell addressed the ASX Ring the Bell ceremony that launched the Sustainability Reporting Community of Practice. There he underscored how “reporting will help to move the private sector from observer to driver of climate action”.
In discussions with Stiell on Australia’s 2035 climate target that is due this year, we highlighted:
- the importance of supporting policy frameworks to guide sectoral transition pathways, including strategic leadership to strengthen Australia’s market-based carbon pricing mechanisms.
- the opportunity for Australia to drive international cooperation in the Asia Pacific region through market frameworks to scale climate finance and accelerate transition as part of a more ambitious NDC or stretch goal.
Mr Stiell’s visit to Australia is timely as Australia finalises its NDC and sets priorities for the COP31 bid.
On 31 July 2025, the Senate agreed that the inquiry into greenwashing be re-adopted in the 48th Parliament for inquiry and report by 25 June 2026. A new Senate Committee, the Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, was set up regarding misinformation and disinformation related to climate change and energy. It is due to report 4 February 2026.
All the best and see you at the Summit,
Kurt Winter – Interim CEO and Director, Corporate Transition, CMI
Below are a few updates on CMI events.
AER Summit
Only a few days to go until the start of the 12th AER Summit on 13-14 August in Melbourne. Now in its 12th year, we have another exciting program packed with speakers and panelists who will share their opinions, perspectives and insights across plenaries, keynotes, workshops and three themed pavilion stages in the new Innovation Hub.
There are only a few days left to register, so hurry up and don’t miss out on the program and the networking.
Registration and information here
Pre-Summit Seminar
CMI is offering a pre-Summit Seminar on Translating transition plans into industry imperatives on 12 August hosted by Aurecon. This half-day in person seminar will illuminate how organisational transition planning becomes a roadmap for action on net zero and decarbonisation.
The session will be of interest to sustainability, strategy, finance and decarbonisation practitioners across industry, as well as service providers and advisers looking to drive effective transition planning approaches for organisations.
Registration and information here
Corporate Climate Masterclass Series
Last week was the kick-off of the 2025 Corporate Climate Masterclass Series on behalf of the Clean Energy Regulator. The free webinar is available to view (link below). It is not too late to register for the full series. The next session will be held in Sydney on 28 August, followed by Melbourne (11 September), Perth (25 September) and Brisbane (9 October).
This program aims to engage and educate Australia’s business community on the role of environmental and renewable energy markets in organisational transition pathways towards net zero and nature positive outcomes.
Registration and information here
Singapore Carbon Market & Investor Forum
The Carbon Market & Investor Forum in Singapore will be held from 16-17 October. The program outline is now available from the website, and registration is open.
In order for us to offer this event to you, we are currently looking for partners. If you are interested please contact claire.reid@carbonmarketinstitute.org
