The Australian Government has appointed Dr Paul Grimes PSM to the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC).
ERAC is the statutory body responsible for ensuring the integrity of Australia’s carbon crediting scheme.
The Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units Final Report recommended reforming the ERAC as the Carbon Abatement Integrity Committee, with adjusted functions and terms of reference. The Australian Government accepted in principle all 16 recommendations and with Dr Grimes appointment, the government will continue implementing the review’s recommendations.
Dr Grimes has held senior roles across the Australian, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales (NSW), South Australian and Victorian public services, including:
- Secretary of the NSW Treasury incorporating the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change (2022 to 2023)
- NSW Coordinator General – Environment, Energy and Science (2020 to 2022)
- Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (2013 to 2015)
- Secretary of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2010 to 2013)
Dr Grimes holds a PhD in economics from the Australian National University. In 2010 he was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his role in the development of the Australian Government’s response to the 2007 global financial crisis.
Dr Grimes said he was looking forward to helping the government reach its net zero goals.
“If we are to successfully meet the great global challenge of climate change, we must have government programs and regulations that have deep integrity and rigour,” he said. “It is wonderful being able to join the committee and contribute to its work supporting the ACCU Scheme alongside the dedicated public servants in DCCEEW and the Clean Energy Regulator.”
The announcement of Dr Grimes, follows the appointments of Professor Karen Hussey, as the full time ERAC Chair, Ms Suzanne Thompson as First Nations member and Dr Libby Pinkard as CSIRO representative.
