The second edition of the Carbon Market Institute's (CMI) Carbon Farming Scorecard Report reveals the progress of Australia's states, territories and the federal government in supporting the rapidly evolving carbon farming industry.
It shows the Federal Government, Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia have seen the biggest improvements, while Queensland maintained its leadership position from last year's inaugural report.
John Connor, CMI CEO, said considerable progress has been made at both state and federal level, led by the Federal Government's reform agenda and by individual states and territories in adopting frameworks to support the creation of high-integrity carbon credits.
"The results demonstrate a growing recognition of the potential contribution of carbon farming to national emission avoidance and removal activities, however for many jurisdictions, this is yet to be adequately reflected at the scale required," Connor said.
"Importantly, more work must also be done to better integrate and realise the Indigenous, social, environmental and economic co-benefits of carbon farming for local communities.
"This will require adequate resourcing to support the key stakeholders involved in their engagement with the industry, whether it's farming, Indigenous or conservation landholders, and in doing so ensure appropriate requirements for free, prior and informed consent from native title interests."
Scores for the federal government (78 per cent) and WA (53 per cent) rose by 8 points, compared to last year's analysis, while NSW (71 per cent) and South Australia (56 per cent) were up by 7 points. Overall, Queensland (83 per cent) was again the leading jurisdiction, underpinned by strong capital outlay and the fundamental integration of co-benefits.