About MCE

The Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) was established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2001 to deliver the economic and environmental benefits for Australia from implementation of the COAG national energy policy framework.

The MCE is the national policy and governance body for the Australian energy market, including for electricity and gas, as outlined in the COAG Australian Energy Market Agreement (AEMA) of 30 June 2004.

The Council’s objectives, as agreed by COAG are:

To provide national oversight and coordination of policy development to address the opportunities and challenges facing Australia's energy sector into the future.
To provide national leadership so that consideration of broader convergence issues and environmental impacts are effectively integrated into energy sector decision-making.

The Council comprises Ministers with responsibility for energy from the Australian Government and all States and Territories (current membership list).

The New Zealand Minister of Energy has full membership and voting rights when Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement issues are being considered. Otherwise, like the Papua New Guinean Minister for Petroleum and Energy, New Zealand has observer status on the Council.

Contact MCE

MCE Secretariat
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
GPO Box 1564
Canberra ACT 2601

Tel: 02 6213 7789
Fax: 02 6213 6689
Email:mce@ret.gov.au