When we assess your project application, we may need more information before we can make a decision. If so, we will issue a request for further information (RFI).
Our use of RFIs
We can issue RFIs in relation to applications or requests under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 or the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015.
We use RFIs to ensure we have the evidence needed for us to be satisfied with the decision we are making on your application. This helps us maintain scheme integrity.
Before we send an RFI, we may reach out to the project primary contact to clarify any information relating to your application or request.
When we issue you with an RFI, we ensure that:
- the required information relates to the matter we’re considering
- our request is reasonable and within our powers.
Receiving an RFI
Every RFI will contain:
- details about the legislative basis of the RFI
- a list of the required information
- instructions on how to provide the information
- the date your response is required by
- details on who to contact if you have questions.
If you submitted your application or request in Online Services, you will receive the RFI in Online Services.
Otherwise, we will email the RFI to the project primary contact.
Responding to an RFI
If you receive an RFI, you must:
- locate the required information
- review the information for accuracy and completeness
- send the information to us within the requested timeframe.
We generally allow 2 weeks for you to provide your response.
To request an extension on an RFI timeframe, contact the assessment team that issued the RFI. You should make the extension request within the initial RFI timeframe.
If you require substantial time to respond to an RFI, we may ask you to withdraw the application. For applications submitted in Online Services, this will return the application to you as a draft. You can resubmit your application with all required information when you are ready.
Failure to respond by the deadline
If you do not respond to an RFI within the specified timeframe, we may:
- refuse to consider the application
- refuse to take any further action on the application
- request that you voluntarily withdraw the application.
In these circumstances, we will provide you with written notice.
If you have any questions about an RFI, you should contact the team that is assessing your application or reach out to our contact centre.
Impact on application processing timeframes
When we issue an RFI, the timeframe for us to assess your application or request resets once you provide the required information.
However, this does not mean we restart our assessment from the beginning. We will continue assessing your application with the requested information and seek to finalise it as quickly as possible.
Learn more about application processing times.
Concurrent applications
We may issue an RFI if your application relies on the outcome of a separate application that we are still assessing. In some cases, these RFIs may be cancelled after the initial application is processed successfully.
If you plan to submit multiple concurrent applications or requests, contact us for advice on sequencing.
A proponent has submitted 2 applications for ACCUs for abatement delivered by their project. The applications are for 2 consecutive reporting periods.
Applications for ACCUs involve complex calculations that use abatement values from earlier reporting periods.
Because the application for the earlier reporting period hasn’t been approved yet, the application for the more recent reporting period includes assumed abatement values from the earlier reporting period. This means we can’t be certain the assumed values are accurate.
We may issue an RFI for the more recent application until we decide on the application for the earlier reporting period.
The RFI will specify that the requested information depends on the outcome of the application for the earlier reporting period. You may be required to provide a copy of the certificate of entitlement.