Overview

• The coalition set a new biogenic methane goal of 14–24% below 2017 levels by 2050, replacing the previous 24–47% target in law.
• The plan rejects pricing agricultural methane, shifting to industry-led mitigation supported by funding, with first tools expected on farms in 2026 and up to 11 available by 2030.
• Ministers say the measures will be legislated under urgency within two months and will delay their formal response to Climate Change Commission advice until 2026.
• The Climate Change Commission and scientists warn the weaker goal would either raise warming or force steeper CO₂ cuts elsewhere, estimating 36–44 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent offsets for each percentage point of reduced methane ambition.
• Political and sector reaction is split, with Federated Farmers and ACT welcoming the shift and the Greens and experts condemning it, and the policy includes a statutory review of the methane target in 2040.