Energy Minister Angus Taylor has shrugged off official data showing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions have risen for a third year, saying the figures ignore the contribution of gas exports to lowering pollution overseas.

In 2018 Australia's emissions totalled 538.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. This was up 0.7 per cent on the previous year, the Department of the Environment and Energy said in a report released on Thursday.

Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor says the government's climate policies are responsible. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The nation's annual emissions have now risen for three consecutive years under the Coalition government. This is despite Australia having among the highest per capita emissions in the world and being particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming.

The annual emissions hike was mostly due to a 22 per cent increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, and rising metal production. Transport emissions rose 2.8 per cent last calendar year, due to an increase in diesel consumption.