Fraud risks are growing across Australia’s carbon, renewable energy and nature repair markets, and regulators are urging whistleblowers to step forward.
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has launched a new anonymous reporting channel via Whispli, making it easier for individuals to report false claims, misleading documentation or failures to declare Fit and Proper Person (FPP) matters.
Reports of fraud can be made via the CER’s website.
“Any dishonest act to obtain benefits or cause losses constitutes fraud,” the CER states.
“Whistleblowers play a crucial role in uncovering non-compliance and fraud.”
The regulator administers four key schemes: the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, the Emissions Reduction Fund, the Renewable Energy Target, and the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units. Its updated compliance policy, last revised in January, outlines an “intelligence-led risk-based approach” to monitoring and enforcement.
Participants are categorised by their behaviour and willingness to comply. Those who engage early and correct errors are supported, while those who deliberately mislead regulators face escalation. This can include suspension, deregistration, civil penalty proceedings or referral for criminal prosecution.
Enforcement action is likely where there is suspected fraud, repeated non-compliance, or conduct with significant market impact. Tools available to the CER range from infringement notices and enforceable undertakings to injunctions, debt recovery and the relinquishment of Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs).
The CER’s compliance strategy prioritises stopping harm and deterring illegitimate activity. Data analysis, cross-checking of reports against third-party information, geospatial intelligence and targeted audits are central to its monitoring operations.
Entities attempting to conceal links with previously disqualified operators are a particular focus, as such connections can threaten FPP requirements. The regulator warns that participants who fail to meet these obligations may be removed from schemes.
Transparency is also a feature of the compliance approach. The CER publishes details of enforceable undertakings, court outcomes and infringement notices, unless publication risks compromising an active investigation.
Industry participants are encouraged to review the regulator’s compliance framework and reporting channels, particularly as market mechanisms expand under Australia’s net zero trajectory.