The development of the Australian sustainable finance taxonomy for climate change mitigation was a joint industry-government initiative led by the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute. The taxonomy was released on 17 June 2025.

About the Australian taxonomy’s development phase

The Australian sustainable finance taxonomy’s initial development phase ran from July 2023 to February 2025. It covered climate change mitigation criteria for six priority economic sectors; a Do No Significant Harm framework; and Minimum Social Safeguards. The six priority sectors in the initial Australian taxonomy are:

  • Agriculture and land

  • Minerals, mining and metals

  • Manufacturing and industry

  • Electricity generation and supply

  • Construction and buildings

  • Transport

The taxonomy’s development was informed by broad-based collaboration and extensive public consultation, underpinned by the principles of credibility, usability, interoperability and prioritisation for impact.

  • Governance and Oversight

    The taxonomy’s development drew on the expertise of 25 of some of Australia’s most experienced sustainability leaders and 84 technical advisory members, and was overseen by the Australian Treasury and financial regulators.

    You can access more information on the governance and oversight of the taxonomy’s development here.

  • Public Consultation

    The taxonomy was shaped by more than 170 submissions received across two rounds of public consultation.

    The purpose of the public consultation process was to seek feedback on whether the draft taxonomy criteria are aligned with the key principles of credibility, usability, interoperability and prioritisation for impact.

    You can access the taxonomy consultation materials, including public submissions, here.

Further reading