The Authority's responsibilities include conducting periodic legislative reviews of the Emissions Reduction Fund and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, as well as carrying out special reviews as requested by the Minister responsible for climate change or the Australian Parliament.

The original chair of the Authority, former Reserve Bank of Australia Governor and former Federal Treasury Secretary, Bernie Fraser, resigned from the position in 2015.

[7] Current members are Matt Kean (chair), Susie Smith, Mark Lewis, John McGee and Russell Reichelt.

Former members have included Clive Hamilton, Heather Ridout, Ian Chubb, Kate Carnell and John Quiggin.

[8] In June 2024, the Albanese government announced that former New South Wales treasurer and energy minister, Matt Kean, would be the new chair of the Authority, effective from 1 August.