Last month Finance hosted the first quarterly Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Network event of 2026. These events provide an opportunity for CSOs to share insights, learn from their peers, and discuss practical ways to implement climate initiatives within their own organisations.
The CSO Network was established in 2024 to support CSOs implement the Net Zero in Government Operations (NZGO) Strategy within their organisations.
The theme for the event focused on implementing the Commonwealth Climate Disclosure (CCD) initiative and supporting emissions reduction planning.
CCD is the Government’s policy for Commonwealth entities and companies to publicly report on their exposure to climate risks and opportunities, as well as their actions to manage them, delivering transparent and consistent climate disclosures to the Australian public. The initiative represents an internationally leading approach to public‑sector climate disclosure.
Key highlights and takeaways
The event included updates from Finance and a case study presented by the Department of Social Services (DSS) on applying CCD concepts to policy and service delivery.
- In its first year, CCD has led to more consistent, comparable and useful disclosures across the Commonwealth.
- The case study presented by DSS demonstrated that climate reporting should not be seen as just another reporting obligation. DSS showcased how CCD can serve as a strategic tool to anticipate risks and shape better organisational outcomes.
- Finance also introduced its updated Emission Reduction Plan guidance, to help entities plan, track and communicate emissions reduction actions as they prepare for 2025‑26 reporting requirements.
Case Study: Using CCD as a strategic tool
DSS presented a case study demonstrating how climate-related risks and opportunities can be integrated into policy and planning for government services. The presentation focused on how climate-related events impact vulnerable communities – including through workforce, population migration, and industry closures. For example, as acute weather events become more frequent and severe, demand for government assistance rises. Through their climate disclosure work, DSS identified opportunities to address emerging risks, helping future-proof their operations.
Finance is here to help
Finance offers Commonwealth entities and companies a draft review service for climate disclosures. For tailored guidance, CSOs and entities are invited to connect with the Climate Action in Government Operations team.
The Climate Action in Government Operations Program on APS Learn includes practical courses for APS officers keen to learn more about the CCD initiative and emissions reduction planning.
In addition, Finance has partnered with RMIT Online to deliver the Greening Government microcredentials, with registrations now open to support capability uplift in climate policy and implementation areas. More information can be found on the RMIT Online website.
Get involved
To stay up to date with Climate Action in Government Operations initiatives, APS officers are invited to join the Climate Action in Government Operations Community of Practice on GovTEAMS. For access, please email ClimateAction@finance.gov.au.
Membership of the CSO Network is limited to one representative per entity. For membership enquiries, or to discuss your organisation’s implementation of CCD and the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy, please contact the Climate Action in Government Operations team.
CSO Network event
