When individuals apply to participate in our schemes, they must provide certified copies of their identity documents. We are considering changing how people can meet these requirements and are seeking public comment on the options.

People are required to provide certified identity documents when they:

  • open an Australian National Registry of Emissions Unit account
  • apply to run projects in the Emissions Reduction Fund
  • open some types of Renewable Energy Certificate Registry accounts.

Under the proposal, you would have the option to use a digital pathway such as MyGovID to verify your identity or identity documents, instead of providing certified documents. If you prefer, you will be still able to provide certified documents to CER electronically or as hard copies.

People who are currently registered in CER schemes will not need to re-register. If you are required to provide proof of identity documents as part of your involvement in our schemes, you will be able to choose how you do that.

In addition, the CER is proposing to make some other, smaller changes to application requirements. These include:

  • Increasing the number and type of persons who can certify documents for hard copy applications. This should make it easier for rural applicants who have sometimes struggled to find an appropriate certifying official.
  • Providing forms that detail what information is required for specific schemes (where there are particular scheme specific requirements).
  • Streamlining some information requirements, such as removing the need to indicate your gender.
  • For the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations scheme, we will no longer require mandatory information (i.e., postal and street addresses for head offices) – we will only seek this information if necessary.

The CER complies with all Australian Government policies in relation to privacy and online security. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

If you're interested in providing feedback or have questions on the proposed changes, please email CER-IdentityandFPPReform@cer.gov.au. Comments close on Friday 30 September 2022.