The draft offsets policy undermines the NT Government policy of adopting Fracking Inquiry Recommendation 9.8 – that all life-cycle emissions from onshore gas projects be offset. The draft policy also proposes ‘indirect emissions offsets’ that are not utilised in any other jurisdiction and would be entirely without integrity.

Indirect offsets would undermine other offset markets and be likely to face legal challenge from affected parties. The draft policy should be abandoned, or at least heavily revised to address the Fracking Inquiry recommendation.