Direct Action 'safeguards' will allow industry to increase emissions – analysts

Abbott government signs off on the detail of Australia's climate policy but experts say the baselines have been set too high to require any cuts

The Abbott government has signed off on detailed rules for its Direct Action climate policy, which experts say will allow big industry to actually increase greenhouse emissions.

The so-called "safeguards mechanism" is supposed to ensure that increased emissions from heavy industry and electricity generators do not undo the reductions bought through the government's $2.5bn scheme.