EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Issued by the Authority of the Minister for Finance
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment
(Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026
The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997 (the FFSP Act) confers on the Commonwealth, in certain circumstances, powers to make arrangements under which money can be spent; or to make grants of financial assistance; and to form, or otherwise be involved in, companies. The arrangements, grants, programs and companies (or classes of arrangements or grants in relation to which the powers are conferred) are specified in the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 (the Principal Regulations). The powers in the FFSP Act to make, vary or administer arrangements or grants may be exercised on behalf of the Commonwealth by Ministers and the accountable authorities of non‑corporate Commonwealth entities, as defined under section 12 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
The Principal Regulations are exempt from sunsetting under section 12 of the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015 (item 28A). If the Principal Regulations were subject to the sunsetting regime under the Legislation Act 2003, this would generate uncertainty about the continuing operation of existing contracts and funding agreements between the Commonwealth and third parties (particularly those extending beyond 10 years), as well as the Commonwealth’s legislative authority to continue making, varying or administering arrangements, grants and programs.
Additionally, the Principal Regulations authorise a number of activities that form part of intergovernmental schemes. It would not be appropriate for the Commonwealth to unilaterally sunset an instrument that provides authority for Commonwealth funding for activities that are underpinned by an intergovernmental arrangement. To ensure that the Principal Regulations continue to reflect government priorities and remain up to date, the Principal Regulations are subject to periodic review to identify and repeal items that are redundant or no longer required.
Section 32B of the FFSP Act authorises the Commonwealth to make, vary and administer arrangements and grants specified in the Principal Regulations. Section 32B also authorises the Commonwealth to make, vary and administer arrangements for the purposes of programs specified in the Principal Regulations. Section 32D of the FFSP Act confers powers of delegation on Ministers and the accountable authorities of non-corporate Commonwealth entities, including subsection 32B(1) of the FFSP Act. Schedule 1AA and Schedule 1AB to the Principal Regulations specify the arrangements, grants and programs.
Section 65 of the FFSP Act provides that the Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters required or permitted by the FFSP Act to be prescribed, or necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the FFSP Act.
The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 (the Regulations) amend Schedule 1AB to the Principal Regulations to establish legislative authority for government spending on certain activities to be administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Funding will be provided for the following initiatives:
- the Game on – Teaming Up for Climate Action Program to improve engagement with Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets by supporting community sports clubs and other eligible entities to implement and promote energy‑performance and climate‑resilience upgrades ($50.0 million over five years from 2025-26); and
- Advancing Australian Antarctic Scientific Research to enable researchers to complete data analysis and publish Antarctic science outcomes, including from the Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage ($5.2 million over three years from 2025-26).
Details of the Regulations are set out at Attachment A. A Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is at Attachment B.
The Regulations are a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003.
The Regulations commence on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.
Consultation
In accordance with section 17 of the Legislation Act 2003, consultation has taken place with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Attachment A
Details of the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment
(Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026
Section 1 – Name
This section provides that the title of the Regulations is the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026.
Section 2 – Commencement
This section provides that the Regulations commence on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.
Section 3 – Authority
This section provides that the Regulations are made under the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997.
Section 4 – Schedules
This section provides that the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 (the Principal Regulations) are amended as set out in the Schedule to the Regulations.
Schedule 1 – Amendments
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997
The item in Schedule 1 amends Schedule 1AB to the Principal Regulations to establish legislative authority for government spending on certain activities to be administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department).
Item 1 – In the appropriate position in Part 4 of Schedule 1AB (table)
This item adds two new table items to Part 4 of Schedule 1AB.
Table item 775 – Game on–Teaming Up for Climate Action Program
New table item 775 establishes legislative authority for government spending on the Game on – Teaming Up for Climate Action Program (the program).
The program responds to the Government’s Net Zero Plan and broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy performance. On 18 September 2025, the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target, the Net Zero Plan and six supporting sector plans (www.pm.gov.au/media/setting-australias-2035-climate-change-target).
The Government announcement set a target to reduce emissions by 62–70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035. Current analysis indicates that most of the emissions reductions needed to achieve the initial stages of this target can be delivered through action in five priority areas, building on existing policies. These priority areas are:
- clean electricity across the economy;
- lowering emissions by electrification and efficiency;
- expanding clean fuel use;
- accelerating new technologies; and
- net carbon removals scaled up.
On 19 September 2025, the program was announced in a joint media release by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy and the Minister for Sport, available at: https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/bowen/media-releases/joint-media-release-game-community-sporting-facilities-shoot-local-climate-action.
The program aligns with the lowering emissions by electrification and efficiency priority. The program will contribute to Australia meeting its net zero emissions by 2050 target and support 82 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030. It will also work alongside other government initiatives such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The program will deliver on two funding objectives:
- Upgrades measure: to support community sports clubs to make energy‑performance and climate‑resilience improvements to be delivered as a grants program; and
- Delivery partner service providers: to promote inclusive climate action and leverage the influence of sport to help everyday Australians experience the tangible benefits of the energy transition within their local communities.
Upgrades measure grant program
The upgrades measure grant program (the grant program) aims to support up to 500 sports clubs to make energy and climate resilient upgrades for their facilities. The program will deliver $35.3 million in funded grants over two rounds with funds available from 2026-27 to 2028-29 to incentivise sports clubs and engage everyday Australians in the energy transition by leveraging trusted networks.
The grant program will support a range of activities aimed at improving energy performance and climate resilience in community sports facilities. These include installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage, electrifying club operations, undertaking energy‑efficiency upgrades, and replacing existing lighting with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) systems to enable night matches. The program will also fund climate‑adaptation measures such as shading and drainage improvements. Together, these activities are intended to help community sports clubs reduce energy costs and reinvest savings back into grassroots sport.
Eligible entities for funding will be community sports organisations that hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or are incorporated, operate on a not‑for‑profit basis, are community‑focused, and are directly involved in delivering or managing sporting facilities. Funding will be available to clubs affiliated with a recognised state sporting association or organisation (or the national governing body for the sport), as well as peak sporting or representative bodies. Facility owners, including local government councils, may also aggregate grants on behalf of community sports clubs. A larger share of funding will be directed to major sporting codes. To ensure equity, a dedicated proportion of funds will be reserved for clubs in regional and remote areas, so they are not disadvantaged.
Delivery partner service providers
The delivery partner service providers measure is essential to supporting effective program implementation and maximising community impact. These delivery partners will support the program and assist sports clubs to participate through targeted outreach, education, and awareness activities, helping local communities see the tangible benefits of Australia’s energy transition. In addition to raising awareness, delivery partners will provide general advisory support to prospective applicants, ensuring clubs have the information and guidance needed to apply for and successfully deliver grant projects. They will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on awareness activities and assessing the community impact of funded projects.
Implementation of the grant program will be supported by up to five delivery partners, such as peak sporting bodies or reputable non‑government organisations. These partners will help sports clubs to participate and provide support throughout their engagement in the program. The delivery partners will be engaged through an open tender procurement to deliver these activities. They will have demonstrated operational capacity, experience and networks to deliver equitable outcomes for the program.
Funding amount and arrangements, merits review and consultation
Funding of $50.0 million for the program was included in the 2025-26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook under the measure ‘Support for Net Zero Plan’ for a period of five years commencing in 2025-26. Details are set out in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2025-26, Appendix A: Policy decisions taken since the 2025 PEFO at page 209.
Funding for this item will come from Program 1.2: Support reliable, secure and affordable energy, which is part of Outcome 1. Details are set out in the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2025-26, Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio at pages 19 and 29
The grant program upgrades measure will consist of two open, non-competitive funding rounds under which applications may be submitted at any time over the life of the grant opportunity and are assessed individually against the selection criteria, with funding decisions in relation to each application being determined without reference to the comparative merits of other applications.
The grant program will be administered in accordance with the relevant policy frameworks and legislation, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule) and the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles 2024 (CGRPs).
Consistent with the CGRPs, the department will develop grant opportunity guidelines and will have regard to the nine key principles in administering the grant.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy will approve the grant opportunity guidelines. The department will administer the grants program with the Community Grants Hub, part of the Department of Social Services and in accordance with the CGRPs. A delegate of the Secretary of the department will be responsible for the final decision(s) about which applicants will be funded.
The delegate will be at a Senior Executive Service (SES) level and will exercise their power in accordance with the relevant financial delegations, including under the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997 (FFSP Act). The decision maker must maintain a written record of the basis for the approval of funding relative to the grant opportunity guidelines and the key principle of achieving value with relevant money. The delegate must undertake training and accreditation as mandated by the Accountable Authority Instructions and in accordance with the department’s Grants Policy.
The grants will be available to community sports clubs across all sports codes affiliated with a National Sporting Organisation. It is expected that approximately 500 sports clubs will be supported to make renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate resilient upgrades to their facilities over the life of the program, with an average grant amount of $70,000 for individual sports club grants, and a larger average grant amount for aggregated grants made on behalf of more than one sports club. Information on the grants including grant opportunity guidelines, application details and final decisions will be available on the Community Grants Hub and GrantConnect website (www.grants.gov.au).
Procurements for the delivery partner service providers measure will be through an open tender procurement method in accordance with the relevant policy and legislation frameworks, including the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, the PGPA Act and the PGPA Rule. Information on the procurement will be available on the AusTender website (www.tenders.gov.au).
The decision maker for the procurement will be a delegate of the Secretary of the department at an SES level. The delegate will make funding decisions in accordance with the relevant financial delegations, including the FFSP Act. The delegate must undertake training and accreditation as mandated by the Accountable Authority Instructions and in accordance with the department’s Procurement Policy.
The program will be evaluated by assessing its alignment with objectives. This includes efficiency in grant funding allocation for the upgrades measure, efficiency in procurement of the service delivery provider/s, and outcomes achieved. The evaluation process will involve reviewing application and selection criteria, monitoring compliance with program guidelines, and analysing performance indicators such as impact on target communities, cost‑effectiveness, and sustainability of funded projects. Data collection methods may include grantee end of project reports, financial audits, service delivery provider reports evaluating effectiveness of awareness activities and community impact of grant projects, stakeholder feedback, and outcome metrics compared against baseline data. The final evaluation would collate these findings to determine overall effectiveness, identify lessons learned, and provide recommendations for future improvements.
Funding decisions in relation to the program for grants and procurements are not appropriate for independent merits review because these decisions will relate to the allocation of finite resources between competing applicants and an allocation already made to a party would be affected by overturning the original decision. The Administrative Review Council (ARC) has recognised that it is justifiable to exclude merits review in relation to decisions of this nature (see items 4.11 to 4.19 of What decisions should be subject to merit review? (ARC guide)).
The review and audit process undertaken by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) provides a mechanism to review Australian Government spending decisions and report any concerns to the Parliament. These requirements and mechanisms help to ensure the proper use of Commonwealth resources and appropriate transparency around decisions relating to making, varying or administering arrangements to spend relevant money.
Further, the right to review under section 75(v) of the Constitution and review under section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 may also be available. Persons affected by spending decisions would also have recourse to the Commonwealth Ombudsman where appropriate.
Consultation was carried out with representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, the Australian Sports Commission, state and territory sporting and infrastructure representatives, key National Sporting Organisations, and peak non-government sporting representative organisations. Consultation aimed to provide a collaborative and long-term approach to policy planning and harness the opportunity to consider stakeholder feedback in the final program design.
In November 2025, stakeholders were invited to participate in consultation discussions and given an opportunity to provide written feedback. Feedback from consultations was incorporated into the design of the program and was generally supportive. Key issues raised included capacity and resource constraints by potential applicants, need for application and process support, facility ownership and governance considerations, focus on equity and targeting, alignment with plans and funding, and opportunities engagement and communication.
Constitutional considerations
Noting that it is not a comprehensive statement of relevant constitutional considerations, the objective of the item references the external affairs power (section 51(xxix)) of the Constitution.
External affairs power
Section 51(xxix) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to ‘external affairs’. The external affairs power supports legislation implementing Australia’s international obligations under treaties to which it is a party.
Australia is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC. Article 4 of the UNFCCC commits Parties to ‘formulate, implement, publish and regularly update national and, where appropriate, regional programmes containing measures to mitigate climate change’ (see Article 4.1(b)) and ‘promote and cooperate in education, training and public awareness related to climate change and encourage the widest participation in this process, including that of non-governmental organizations’ (see Article 4.1(i)).
Article 10(b) of the Kyoto Protocol requires parties to ‘formulate, implement, publish and regularly update national and, where appropriate, regional programmes containing measures to mitigate climate change’, including programmes concerning the energy sector (see Article 10(b)(i)).
The program seeks to fulfil Australia’s international obligations under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol by incentivising sports clubs to take measures to mitigate climate change, and engaging everyday Australians in this process.
Australia is also a party to the Paris Agreement. Article 4 of the Paris Agreement requires Parties to ‘aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible’ (see Article 4.1) and provides that ‘each Party shall prepare, communicate and maintain successive nationally determined contributions that it intends to achieve’ and ‘pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions’ (see Article 4.2). Specifically, Australia’s most recent Nationally Determined Contribution is to reduce net national greenhouse gas emissions by 62-70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035.
The program will contribute to the achievement of Australia’s nationally determined greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments by incentivising sports clubs to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and engaging everyday Australians in this process.
Table item 776 – Advancing Australian Antarctic Scientific Research
New table item 776 establishes legislative authority for government spending for the Advancing Australian Antarctic Scientific Research program (the program).
Grant funding of $5.0 million will be provided to the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) to enable its researchers to undertake data analysis and publish outcomes of Antarctic research, including from the Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage.
ACEAS was established in 2021 by the Australian Research Council (AusRC) under their Special Research Initiative program to conduct data analysis and publish outcomes from Antarctic science campaigns. ACEAS employs 23 post-doctoral researchers across five universities and five program administration staff located at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). ACEAS has supported 32 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students to date.
ACEAS is formed by a consortium of seven Australian universities led by the UTAS. Other Australian University partners are the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Canberra (UC). ACEAS is formally partnered with 30 international and national organisations including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Antarctic Division, and Geoscience Australia.
The program has conducted major scientific campaigns in the Denman Glacier region with strong involvement from ACEAS researchers. These include the Denman Terrestrial Campaign which was based out of Australia’s Edgeworth David Camp in the Bunger Hills region during the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 summer seasons, and the Denman Marine Voyage which was the first dedicated marine science voyage of Research and Supply Vessel (RSV) Nuyina and took place in March-May 2025. The Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage aim to understand the physical and ecosystem characteristics of the Denman Glacier system, their vulnerability to climate and ocean changes, and what this means for future sea level rise originating from this region of Antarctica.
To date, all grant funding provided by the AusRC through their Special Research Initiative program has been provided, leaving ACEAS until August 2026 to expend the remaining funds. Provision of additional funds is no longer possible as the Special Research Initiative Program is no longer funded under the Australia Research Council Act 2001.
Legislative authority under table item 776 will enable ACEAS to continue its data analysis and publish outcomes from recent Antarctic science campaigns, including the Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage. This will also enable the scientific outcomes from investment in these major field programs to be realised, and addresses recommendation 5 of the February 2025 report from the Joint Standing Committee inquiry into the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interests:
Recommendation 5: The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider options to provide additional funding to Australian researchers for the development and publication of research papers based on the data and samples retried by the Million Year Ice Core project, the Denman Terrestrial Campaign, and the Denman Marine Voyage.
Deliverables for the grant funding to ACEAS will include archiving datasets with the Australian Antarctic Data Centre, submission of publications and development of plain-language briefing documents that synthesis the key findings from the Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage. Research derived from ACEAS will inform Australia’s understanding of changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, providing input for area protection and environment management led by the Government.
Funding amount and arrangements, merits review and consultation
Funding of $5.2 million for the program was included in the 2025-26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook under the measure ‘Australian Antarctic Program – continuing funding’ for a period of three years commencing in 2025-26. Details are set out in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2025-26, Appendix A: Policy decisions taken since the 2025 PEFO at page 200.
Funding for this item will come from Program 3.1: Contribute to Australia’s national Antarctic interests through science, environmental management and international engagement, including delivering Australia’s scientific research and operations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, which is part of Outcome 3. Details are set out in the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2025-26, Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio at pages 12 and 45.
The department will deliver the program through a closed, non-competitive grant process to the ACEAS. Funding will be administered in accordance with the Commonwealth Resource Management Framework, including the PGPA Act, the PGPA Rule and the CGRPs. Consistent with the CGRPs, the department will develop grant opportunity guidelines and will have regard to the nine key principles in delivering the grant.
Funding will be administered by the Business Grants Hub within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Grant opportunity guidelines and information on the grant will be made available on the GrantConnect website (www.grants.gov.au). Funding decisions will be made by the Minister for the Environment and Water or a delegate of the Secretary of the department.
The delegate will be at the SES level and will exercise funding decisions in accordance with relevant financial delegations, including the FFSP Act. The delegate must maintain a written record of the basis for the approval of funding relative to the grant opportunity guidelines and the key principle of achieving value with relevant money. The delegate must undertake training and accreditation as mandated by the Accountable Authority Instructions and in accordance with the department’s Grants Policy.
The decision made in connection with the grant funding to ACEAS will not be subject to independent merits review. The process will be closed and non-competitive. Independent merits review would not be considered appropriate as this is a decision relating to the allocation of a finite resource, from which all potential claims for a share of the resource cannot be met. The ARC has recognised that it is justifiable to exclude merits review in relation to decisions of this nature (see paragraphs 4.11 to 4.19 of ARC’s guide).
The review and audit process undertaken by the ANAO provides a mechanism to review Australian Government spending decisions and report any concerns to the Parliament. These requirements and mechanisms help to ensure the proper use of Commonwealth resources and appropriate transparency around decisions relating to making, varying or administering arrangements to spend relevant money. Further, the right to review under section 75(v) of the Constitution and review under section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 may also be available. Persons affected by spending decisions would also have recourse to the Commonwealth Ombudsman where appropriate.
The department has consulted with Commonwealth entities, including the Attorney-General’s Department, the Departments of Finance, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Industry, Science and Resources, Education and Foreign Affairs and Trade. Consultation resolved that the appropriate grant type for the ACEAS funding is a closed, non-competitive grant, clarified that remaining ACEAS funding would be exhausted by August 2026, clarified outcomes and benefits of the grant funding to continue ACEAS, and clarified that this funding is a stop-gap measure with the intention to seek a more consolidated approach to Antarctic science funding.
Consultation has also taken place with the AusRC. Discussion with the AusRC confirmed that it is not possible under AusRC funding rules for ACEAS to be awarded this additional funding through the AusRC. AusRC consultation also confirmed that all AusRC funds for ACEAS have been provided and are due to be fully expended by August 2026, and that there were no restrictions on the ACEAS collaborative entity continuing beyond the end of AusRC funding of ACEAS.
No broader consultation occurred outside of government as this is an extension of existing funding, it relates to completion of specific activities by ACEAS that have already commenced through investments in the Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage, and it addresses a recommendation from the Joint Standing Committee inquiry into the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interests.
Constitutional considerations
Noting that it is not a comprehensive statement of relevant constitutional considerations, the objective of the item references the following powers of the constitution:
- the express incidental power and the executive power (section 51(xxxix) and 61), including the Nationhood aspect;
- the external affairs power (section 51(xxix)); and
- the territories power (section 122).
Express incidental power and the executive power, including the Nationhood aspect
The express incidental power in section 51(xxxix) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to matters incidental to the execution of any power vested in the Parliament, the executive or the courts by the Constitution. Section 61 of the Constitution supports activities that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation and cannot be carried out for the benefit of the nation otherwise than by the Commonwealth.
Research conducted by ACEAS in relation to Antarctica supports Australia’s participation and contribution to international scientific endeavour.
External affairs power
Section 51(xxix) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to ‘external affairs’. The external affairs power supports legislation with respect to matters or things outside the geographical limits of Australia.
The research conducted by ACEAS is being carried out, or in relation to, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, places outside the physical limits of Australia.
Territories power
Section 122 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to ‘make laws for the government of any territory’.
Research conducted by ACEAS will be conducted in, or in relation to, the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Attachment B
Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights
Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026
This disallowable legislative instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.
Overview of the legislative instrument
Section 32B of the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997 (the FFSP Act) authorises the Commonwealth to make, vary and administer arrangements and grants specified in the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 (the Principal Regulations) and to make, vary and administer arrangements and grants for the purposes of programs specified in the Regulations. Schedule 1AA and Schedule 1AB to the Principal Regulations specify the arrangements, grants and programs. The powers in the FFSP Act to make, vary or administer arrangements or grants may be exercised on behalf of the Commonwealth by Ministers and the accountable authorities of non‑corporate Commonwealth entities, as defined under section 12 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 (the Regulations) amend Schedule 1AB to the Principal Regulations to establish legislative authority for government spending on certain activities to be administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
This disallowable legislative instrument makes the following amendments to Part 4 of Schedule 1AB:
- adds table item 775 ‘Game on – Teaming Up for Climate Action Program’; and
- adds table item 776 ‘Supporting the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science’.
Table item 775 – Game on–Teaming Up for Climate Action Program
Table item 775 establishes legislative authority for government spending on the Game on – Teaming Up for Climate Action Program (the program).
The program supports the Government’s Net Zero Plan and broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy performance. The program will contribute to Australia meeting its emission reduction target range of 62 to 70 per cent on 2005 emissions, net zero emissions by 2050 and support 82 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030.
Funding of $50.0 million over five years from 2025-26 will support the program in providing grant funding to incentivise sports clubs to engage everyday Australians in the energy transition by leveraging trusted networks. Implementation of the grant program will also be supported with the assistance of up to five delivery partners such as peak sporting bodies or reputable non-governmental organisations to motivate sports clubs to participate and support their participation in the program.
Human rights implications
Table item 775 does not engage any of the applicable human rights or freedoms.
Table item 775 is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.
Table item 776 – Supporting the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science
Table item 776 establishes legislative authority for government spending for the Advancing Australian Antarctic Scientific Research program (the program).
Funding of $5.2 million over three years from 2025-26 will be provided to the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) to enable its researchers to complete data analysis and publish outcomes from recent Antarctic science campaigns, including the Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage. Research derived from ACEAS will inform Australia’s understanding of changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, providing input for area protection and environment management led by the government.
The program has conducted major scientific campaigns in the Denman Glacier region with strong involvement from ACEAS researchers. These include the Denman Terrestrial Campaign which was based out of Australia’ Edgeworth David Camp in the Bunger Hills region during the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 summer seasons, and the Denman Marine Voyage which was the first dedicated marine science voyage of Research and Supply Vessel (RSV) Nuyina and took place in March-May 2025. The Denman Terrestrial Campaign and Denman Marine Voyage aim to understand the physical and ecosystem characteristics of the Denman Glacier system, their vulnerability to climate and ocean changes, and what this means for future sea level rise originating from this region of Antarctica.
Human rights implications
Table item 776 does not engage any of the applicable human rights or freedoms.
Table item 776 is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.
Conclusion
This disallowable legislative instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.
Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
Minister for Finance